142-year-old water tower landmark to be restored

Semaphore’s historic water tower is in line for a facelift to improve the vista for tourists but another nearby building will not be so lucky.

Semaphore’s historic water tower would have a facelift and an attached 1970s building would be removed as part of a proposed tourism development.

After a post about the project appeared on Facebook on Friday, some locals were irate as they thought the heritage-listed tower, which dates to 1880, was in danger of demolition.

But Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan reassured them it would be an improvement.

The plan is for six low-level tourist accommodation units behind the Blackler St tower, and the removal of the red brick building in front of it.

The Semaphore Water Tower will be sold for the first tome in 43 years after being purchased by Czech migrants, Manfred and Beverly Stibr as a 'weekend residence in 1974.

Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan

Spokesman for applicants Black Rabbit Architecture and Interiors, Mike Sheidow, said the public would see how the redevelopment would improve the view of the water tower from the street as well as address many maintenance issues.

“The tower actually goes back to being a stand-alone structure as it was when it was built, and was for many decades before the modern building was put in front and attached to it,’’ Mr Sheidow said.

“The intent is to restore the tower to what it was (and) remove the unsympathetic building which climbs up the tower.”

Mr Sheidow said stage two of the development would be to return a galvanised steel roof to the tower, repair heritage features and replace damaged bricks.

The local mayor says the works will be an improvement.

The description on the Plan SA website for the proposal, which is currently with the state government for approval, is: “Demolition of a two-storey residential building and ancillary structures, upgrade of residential ‘water tower’ and construction of six tourist accommodation units with ancillary parking and landscaping.”

The Facebook post that led many to believe the water tower was to be knocked down attracted 370 comments.

Ms Boan intervened, saying: “In fact the owner is restoring the tower and this will be going up for public consultation in the coming days for anyone to comment on. I would like to publicly thank the owner for restoring this tower and keeping a beautiful part of our history in good form.”

Property records list the owner as NSW-based Outland Investments.