Fight over developer’s plans for $1 billion old Royal Adelaide Hospital redevelopment

DEVELOPERS of the proposed $1 billion old RAH project are insisting they are committed to their vision despite claims they want taller buildings and longer property leases at the North Tce site.

• Here’s what could be built on the old RAH site
• Secret plan for art gallery at $1bn hospital redevelopment

DEVELOPERS of the proposed $1 billion Old Royal Adelaide Hospital project are insisting they are committed to their vision, despite claims they want longer property leases and bigger buildings at the North Tce site.

In comments seized upon by the Opposition, Renewal SA chief executive John Hanlon said the developers wanted leases up to 125 years, rather than the 99 years preferred by the Government.

Mr Hanlon also told parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee that there had been talks about apartment building heights of up to 23 storeys.

A before and after image of what the old RAH looks like now — top — and the artist impression of what the redevelopment would look like — bottom.

Urban Development Minister Stephen Mullighan has insisted on 99-year leases and building heights no greater than what is at the existing hospital, equivalent to 17 storeys.

Liberal planning spokesman David Pisoni declared there was a massive gap between proposals now and what the Government had promised when the 7ha CBD redevelopment was announced in October last year.

But developer Commercial & General said the reports were “absolutely incorrect” and the consortium, which also includes property giant John Holland, was “contractually, morally and philosophically bound to stand behind our vision”.

“Instead of playing politics, we are focused on creating much-needed jobs and growth in this state,” said C & G managing director Trevor Cooke.

“We have always respected the need to balance the community’s economic, social and environmental interests and will continue to work with our partners to achieve that outcome.”

Exclusive negotiations between the Government and the consortium, named last October as preferred proponents, expire on June 30.

An artist Impression of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site redevelopment.

A masterplan for the development is expected to be considered by State Cabinet on Thursday.

The transformation of the hospital site is proposed to include a university and innovation quarter, featuring businesses, financiers and social organisations, along with a culture and tourism quarter, where a contemporary art gallery and concert hall have been flagged.

But controversy has been stirred by proposals to put multistorey apartments next to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, on a site parklands campaigners have urged be restored entirely as open space.

Announcing the redevelopment in October last year, Premier Jay Weatherill said it would generate more than $1 billion in private investment, as well as 1000 jobs a year during construction and 2900 jobs on site when finished.

Once completed, more than 9300 people per day would live, work, visit or live in the precinct.

A concept image of a proposed modern art gallery for old Royal Adelaide Hospital redevelopment.

But Mr Pisoni said the Government was not capable of delivering the right deal, despite having had more than a decade since announcing plans for a new hospital, opening in September.

“The redevelopment of this important CBD site must match its significance for Adelaide whilst complementing the surrounding buildings and landscape,” he said.

“The redevelopment should involve creating ongoing jobs and economic activity to follow the first wave of construction jobs.”

Mr Mullighan told The Advertiser: “The Government is committed to delivering another successful large-scale, mixed-use development, which will support economic activity and jobs, in the same way that we have at Bowden and Tonsley.”