World class Rydges hotel set for Port Adelaide waterfront

Plans for a four or five-star waterfront hotel at Port Adelaide have been lodged with the State Government, including a restaurant, bar and 180 rooms. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Artist impression of Rydges hotel planned for Port Adelaide. Image: Brown Falconer

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A top class $19 million waterfront Rydges hotel would be the latest addition to a rapidly growing Port Adelaide under new plans.

The six-storey, 180-room accommodation would be built on a vacant block at McLaren Parade – just metres from the wharf and next to the old art deco harbors board building in the heart of the Port.

A restaurant and bar would be included at the corner of Lipson St and the wharf promenade, as well as an open terrace area with outdoor dining.

Artist impression of Rydges hotel as it would look from the wharf. Image: Brown Falconer

Another retail tenancy would be available on the ground floor that the developers – Sydney-based CK Property Group – anticipated would also be taken up by a food or drink business.

A report to the State Commission Assessment Panel – prepared by planning firm Ekistics – said the hotel had been designed to fit in with the Port’s heritage.

“The confident building scale and form align with the character of the Port and its working history,” the report read.

“The two-storey scaled arches have a warehouse feel, as does the use of brick.

“The building has been designed to carefully manage the interface with the adjacent heritage area and listed buildings, particularly with regard to … appearance and materiality.”

Artist impression of Rydges hotel as it would look from Commercial Rd. Image: Brown Falconer

It said the “landmark building” had been “carefully designed with a well-articulated facade”.

The development has been backed by the South Australian Tourism Commission, which said it would be internationally recognised as a four or five-star hotel.

Destination development executive director Nick Jones, in a letter to SCAP, said there was “strong interest” in more tourist accommodation around Port Adelaide.

Artist impression of the promenade at the planned hotel. Image: Brown Falconer

“South Australia has enjoyed a cruise ship boom with a record 82 cruise ship visits to our state during 2018-19,” the letter read.

“Port Adelaide is well positioned to capitalise on pre and post accommodation needs for cruise passengers.”

A CK Property Group spokesman said the development was not expected to be hindered by the coronavirus pandemic.

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