Ayers House to get $6.6m makeover, History Trust moving in

It’s one of South Australia’s best known historic buildings and now it’s set for a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

One of South Australia’s best known historic buildings is set for a $6.6 million transformation.

Ayers House, on North Terrace in the city, will undergo an extensive upgrade to restore and revitalise the building after the state government revealed the renovation as part of its pre-state budget announcements.

The overhaul will make Ayers House more disability-compliant and enable a more diverse range of public uses and events.

It will be complemented by a kitchen upgrade, the removal of asbestos, and the installation of a new lift and airconditioning.

The government will also extend its Heritage Grants program with an extra $1.5 million over three years.

The grants are available to owners of state heritage-listed properties to preserve their buildings or activate heritage tourism.

Ayers House on North Terrace.

The upgrade of Ayers House will mean the History Trust of SA will move into the building from its existing base at the Torrens Parade Ground in mid-2022.

“I’m delighted that we will be able to bring new purpose to Ayers House as one of two major tenants of that government building,” History Trust SA chief executive officer Greg Mackie OAM said.

“The conservation and restoration of South Australia’s built heritage is deeply important to the future of South Australia’s ability to tell the story of its past and to ensure that future generations will have access to buildings of historical significance.”

Ayers House is also used as a weddings and function centre.

Environment Minister David Speirs said the renovation and the expanded grants program would create up to 100 jobs across the state.

“Ayers House is one of South Australia’s most prominent heritage assets but with the passage of time the property now requires significant amenity, preservation and restoration works to ensure it is sustained for future generations,” he said.

“The $6.6 million upgrade will restore the house to its rightful position as one of the great stately buildings of Adelaide, positioning it as a heritage icon, a tourist destination, an events space and the new home of the History Trust of South Australia.”