Adelaide concert hall scoping study weeks away from release to State Government

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s search for a new home - possibly on the Riverbank - could become clearer within weeks.

Prominent architect Guy Maron’s unsolicited vision for an Adelaide concert hall, which he gave to the State Government. Source: Guy Maron Architects

An initial study into the potential for a long-awaited Adelaide concert hall – possibly on the Adelaide Riverbank – has been delayed and is expected to be handed to the State Government next month.

In June the government ordered a scoping study to investigate the need for a new concert hall following a 2019 review of SA’s arts sector. It recommended funding of a business case for a new base for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Youth Orchestra.

Adelaide architecture firm Baukultur – whose directors include former members of Hassell – is presently consulting industry stakeholders, including the ASO, with a scoping study expected in March.

The report was anticipated to be delivered last year but the government said there were delays with the firm’s appointment, which did not happen until mid-November.

Adelaide is the only capital city that does not have a purpose-built concert hall.

The study, according to the tender brief, will explore the need for a concert hall, potential options and benefits for such a development and how it could be realised.

It is also considering national and international examples of concert hall infrastructure but it will not be recommending specific sites for a hall or potential design specifications.

Prominent architect Guy Maron’s design for an Adelaide concert hall. Source: Guy Maron Architects

The scoping study will not include a detailed business case for a concert hall.

In January last year the government had given “in-principle” support to fund a more detailed business case.

A concert hall, possibly sited next to the Adelaide Festival Centre, is also being investigated under a new Riverbank masterplan process announced last June to guide future development of the precinct.

The Advertiser understands a potential location being considered is to the east of the Adelaide Festival Centre, next to King William Rd.

Adelaide Festival Centre chief executive Douglas Gautier has previously publicly backed a concert hall for Australia’s UNESCO City of Music.

Renowned Adelaide architect Guy Maron last year revealed concept plans for a concert hall on the banks of the River Torrens at Elder Park, saying he preferred the site because of “the romantic notion of having it on the Riverbank”.

A government spokeswoman said any business case for a concert hall was contingent on the findings of the scoping study.