New 14-storey Light Square apartment tower gets green light, minus the high-rise car stacker originally planned
IT’S a prime city site that’s been stuck in limbo for years — but now the latest plan for a high-rise luxury apartment tower on Light Square has received development approval. However, the project will no longer have one of its unique selling points.
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YET another plan for a high-rise apartment tower above the State Heritage-listed Mission Hall has been approved, lifting hopes the long-awaited Light Square project might finally go ahead.
The State Planning Commission this month signed off on a revised proposal to redevelop 69 Light Square.
The 14-storey development would include 78 apartments and a ground floor designated for “community services”, according to plans lodged with the commission by Light Square Developments Pty Ltd.
However, it would not include a six-level automatic car-stacking system, which was among the project’s major selling points when it was first unveiled as a 15-storey, $25 million development five years ago.
Dubbed Palladium on Light, it was later expanded to an 18-storey scheme, incorporating luxury apartments and offices.
The Advertiser reported in May 2014 that the developer had sold 60 per cent of apartments and expected construction to begin within months.
But work never started and the hall — once a popular city night spot — has been vacant ever since.
Adelaide West End Precinct Association chairman Andrew Wallace said the site had become a “bit of an eyesore”.
“We would like to see the site get moving,” Mr Wallace told The City.
“Nothing has really kicked off around Light Square and it would be good to have some permanent residents there.”
Mr Wallace said the West End had changed significantly since the Light Square project was first announced.
“With the new hospital, things have really come a long way and maybe the developer is thinking about repositioning what they are offering this time around.”
Light Square Developments could not be reached for comment.