$40m luxury hotel plan for former Channel 9 site in North Adelaide
THE former Channel 9 studio in North Adelaide would be transformed into a $40 million six-storey, luxury accommodation complex under a new plan put out to community consultation today.
THE former Channel 9 studio in North Adelaide would be transformed into a six-storey, luxury accommodation complex under a plan to create a new tourism “icon”.
The State Planning Commission has today started public consultation on a $40 million vision to redevelop the Tynte St site.
The team behind the Majestic hotel chain want to build and operate a 84-suite complex on the 6800sq m block, which would be targeted at cashed-up visitors and convention delegates.
Four private apartments fronting Gover St are also planned for the site, as well as a ground floor carpark and cafe.
Majestic Group owner John Culshaw said the “five-star plus” offering would set a new standard for self-contained accommodation in the CBD and city fringe.
“I think the industry is carried by icons, like the (D’Arenberg) Cube in McLaren Vale, and I think this will be an icon,” Mr Culshaw told The City.
“What the industry needs is for people to stand up and say ‘hey, I can do it better’ — and that is what this will be.”
Mr Culshaw said the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Convention Centre were attracting more events and visitors to the city, increasing the need for high-end accommodation options.
“I think there is a major opportunity because there is a lack of good, new hotels in Adelaide,” he said.
“And a lot of the hotels are tired and in need of refurbishment.”
Mr Culshaw — who bought the site for an undisclosed amount in 2015 — expected a 20-month construction period to start by the middle of the year, subject to the commission’s approval.
Adelaide City Council last year rezoned the Channel 9 studio site after the station relocated to the CBD.
The move to raise the block’s two-storey building height limit was opposed by the North Adelaide community, with all but three of 32 submission criticising the proposal during public consultation.
Mr Culshaw said the development would “complement, not compete” with the site’s heritage-listed buildings, such the former Primitive Methodist Church, which would all be retained under the plan.
Consultation on the proposal is open until January 19 at saplanningcommission.sa.gov.au
