A new Waymouth St building is drawing attention — for all the wrong reasons

IT looks like an architectural remnant of the Cold War era. But this “ugly” new building is rising above Waymouth St in the Adelaide CBD and it’s drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.

Adelaide’s ugliest building? Construction continues on new student accommodation at 231/243 Waymouth St. Picture: Simon Cross

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IT looks like an architectural remnant of the Cold War era.

But this “ugly” new building is rising above Waymouth St in the Adelaide CBD and it’s drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.

Adelaide City councillor Sandy Wilkinson said the building was an eyesore and said the city was “being ruined by developments” like it.

The 16-storey student accommodation, across from the Grace Emily Hotel, is still under construction.

“I’m not surprised people are reacting to that building,” Mr Wilkinson said. “It certainly is ugly. The main problem with it, and many new developments, is that its scale is completely at odds with every(thing) around it.”

The new student accommodation at 231/243 Waymouth St, city. Picture: Simon Cross

Mr Wilkinson, who has degrees in planning and architecture, said it was the latest development that “disrespected” pre-existing buildings.

“Another example is the ibis hotel on Grenfell St that ... blocks the view of the Adelaide Arcade dome from the east,” he said.

Councillor Anne Moran wouldn’t comment on the look of the building but said it was an example of “seemingly unplanned development”.

“I think this building shouldn’t be seen in isolation,” she said. “It might turn out to be fine but it does rather represent the rampant, seemingly unsympathetic development that is going into a lovely city.”

It is unclear if the building will get any colour or covering.

Planning minister John Rau said the development was approved by the independent Development Assessment Commission.

Property developer Atira Student Living declined to comment.

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