Former Le Cornu site, $300m Eighty Eight O’Connell luxury development opens to the public
Adelaide's $300m Eighty Eight O'Connell development has opened its doors, transforming the notorious Le Cornu site after a 40-year wait for progress.
The doors of the $300m Eighty Eight O’Connell street development are now open, ending nearly a 40-year saga to redevelop the former Le Cornu site.
The building is one of Adelaide’s largest private buildings, combining 158 apartments, including four penthouses, and more than 17 commercial and retail tenancies.
Offering mutli-million dollar views from three high-rise apartment towers, the development was not without its controversy from some residents who believed it stood too tall.
Jamie McClurg, executive chairman of developer Commercial & General, noted despite a legacy of resistance to evolution, the project had been supported by the local community.
“We have been incredibly privileged to be trusted by so many residents of North Adelaide and its surrounds to deliver on our commitment in bringing this project to life.
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Ultimately the nay sayers, while a loud voice did not reflect the sentiment of the broader community – as demonstrated by an extraordinary pre-sales campaign.
The building’s flagship tenant was SA food retailer Mercato, with cult gelati brand Gelato Messina and Japanese inspired restaurant Yakisan, also opening.
Health offerings include an on-site cancer centre, Radiology SA, gym and medical centre, while Hub Australia has opened a flexible workspace.
The offerings are spread across three towers, Tynte, Centennial and Archer, one standing 15-levels high and the other two 13 levels – and connected by an elevated SkyPark.
Built by Tandem, the building had included some affordable one-bedroom apartments, which sold for $455,000 in 2022, with luxury two-bedroom apartments starting at $1.3m.
The development – which only has eight apartments still available – also achieved the most expensive square per metre rate of greater than $20,000 for an apartment in Adelaide.
One of the four penthouses is valued at more than $11m, two have 15m private pools and one is a full building floor.
Work on the 7500sq m site has been decades in the making, it was once an eyesore after being left dormant for 36 years following the closure of Le Cornu in 1989.
The council purchased the 7500sq m site in 2018 for $34m, taking over control with the help of a $10m contribution from the State Government.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the developer had delivered on their promise of “generational change” for the city, “realising the potential of this site as a dynamic precinct that enriches and emboldens North Adelaide for a new era”.
More retail, dining and wellness tenancies are in the final stages of fit-out and open progressively throughout October and November.
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