State Government received EOI for Fletcher’s Slip that could have kept Shed 26

Shed 26 — slated for demolition by Cedar Woods — could have remained at Port Adelaide if the State Government accepted an expression of interest from a major SA developer.

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A major South Australian developer submitted an expression of interest for Fletcher’s Slip that included the possible retention of Shed 26 at Port Adelaide, it can be revealed.

Correspondence seen by The Advertiser shows Starfish Developments — which is also constructing a $168 million housing estate at Dock One in Port Adelaide — would likely have kept the last remaining boatshed on the Port Adelaide inner harbour had it won the development.

The land was ultimately sold to Cedar Woods — which has begun demolition of the shed — for a total of $10 across five titles by the previous Labor government.

As part of its submission to Renewal SA, Starfish Developments said it wanted to retain Shed 26, subject to assessment of the building’s safety.

The sawtooth shed would have been used as a community space — not for housing.

Shed 26 as it stands. Photo: AAP/David Mariuz

As part of the Dock One development, Starfish will redevelop the old Harbours Board building — the tallest building in Port Adelaide — into a boutique hotel to the tune of $30 million.

Local activist Emma Webb, who has been involved with the campaign to save Shed 26, said the revelation was “deeply disappointing”.

“We’ve known that Starfish are investing $30 million in the Harbours Board building and have shown themselves to be interested in the heritage and character of the area,” Ms Webb said.

“The fact they themselves can see how the shed could have been adaptively reused … shows that it’s possible to envision a future for Shed 26.

Protesters fighting to save Shed 26. Photo: AAP/David Mariuz

“I understand why the State Government at the time wanted to give contracts to different developers … however we need to now be looking as how we do not have this happen ever again because it’s outrageous.”

Demolition of Shed 26 began this month but has been delayed due to the discovery of loose asbestos.

The SA Heritage Council in March found the shed met four of the seven criteria for state heritage listing.

Environment Minister David Speirs last month overturned the heritage listing on the basis of public interest — which is within his powers.

A Starfish Developments representative declined to comment.

The Planning Department was contacted for comment.

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