North Tce state-heritage building set to become student accommodation tower
A 33-storey student block could soon tower above a historic building that has stood on North Terrace almost 150 years. But only after the developers answer some key questions.
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A 33-storey tower will be built on top of a state heritage-listed building to help meet future demands for student accommodation in the CBD.
The State Commission Assessment Panel has supported a plan by 203 North Terrace Pty Ltd to build a $30 million building on top of the G & R Wills & Co warehouse, built in 1878.
However, the panel has asked for more detail on how the North Tce building’s historic features will be “presented and interpreted” in the development before final approval.
A report compiled on behalf of the developer said changes to the facade had been “kept to a minimum … (so) the original heritage fabric of the building is preserved”.
“Importantly, the state-heritage building will also act as a podium to the proposed tower addition,” the report said.
“This generous front setback will minimise the dominance and scale of the tower and achieve a sympathetic interface with the existing state heritage place.”
The 109.2m-tall building, opposite the State Library, would offer 341 beds — in studio rooms, twin rooms and dormitories.
State Government architect Kirsteen Mackay said she welcomed the developer’s “ambition” to deliver high quality student accommodation in the “prestigious” location.
It comes as commercial real estate firm JLL released a report, commissioned by the State Government, that forecasts that by 2030 an additional 2550 beds would be required in the CBD to cater for the number of international students flocking to South Australia.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway said there was a growing need for student accommodation in the city, as well as at Mawson Lakes and Bedford Park.
“Increased international student enrolments will lead to greater demand for quality and affordable student accommodation, particularly in proximity to the state’s major higher education institutions,” Mr Ridgway said.
The Advertiser reported earlier this week that international student enrolments for the first seven months of this year were up 13 per cent, compared with the same period last year.
At the time, G & R Wills & Co was a prominent South Australian soft goods wholesaler.
The developer, an Accord Properties company, did not respond to requests by The Advertiser for further information.
