Proposed $40m accommodation complex for old Channel 9 Studio set to be approved

A HIGH-QUALITY accommodation complex on the site of the former Channel 9 studio in North Adelaide is set to be approved.

An artist impression of proposed redevelopment of the former Channel 9 site on Tynte St in North Adelaide.

A HIGH-QUALITY accommodation complex on the site of the former Channel 9 studio in North Adelaide is set to be approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel.

But Heritage SA says it does not support a major change to the original proposal.

The team behind the Majestic hotel chain has its $40 million proposal for the Tynte St site in front of SCAP on Thursday.

The plan involves 91 serviced apartments, eight residential apartments and a bakery and cafe on the 6800sq m block.

Previously described as an “icon” by Majestic Group owner John Culshaw, the panel has recommended it receive development plan consent.

Mr Culshaw made significant alterations to the plan, including an underground carpark and rubbish collection, after the North Adelaide community fiercely opposed the proposed six-storey building.

“The state is crying out for quality accommodation,” he said. “This will attract people to the area and significantly add to the vibrancy.”

But the decision by Mr Culshaw to not include the state heritage-listed Primitive Methodist Church on the site and place it on a separate title, eventually selling it, has Heritage SA worried.

In the agenda for Thursday’s meeting, Department of Transport and Infrastructure principal planner Gabrielle McMahon says Heritage SA raised concerns about this move.

“Heritage South Australia, does not support the excising of the State Heritage-listed former Primitive Methodist Church from the overall site,” she said.

“This has the potential to result in this building not being conserved or adapted to a future use and therefore not realising the potential of the heritage place.”

Mr Culshaw said a separate application for the church would be lodged in due course, keeping it residential, and he was in discussions with interested parties.

The site was bought by Mr Culshaw for an undisclosed amount in 2015.

Adelaide City Council last year rezoned the Channel 9 studio site after the station relocated to the CBD.

Also to be discussed at the meeting is Theo Maras’ $32 million high-end development on the corner of Hutt St and East Tce, which was deferred at a meeting last month.

It is recommended to get development plan approval.