Freemason’s plan for skyscraper on North Tce, Adelaide, to be considered by state commission assessment panel

The Freemason’s plan to build the city’s first skyscraper standing 183m-tall on North Tce has been recommended for approval by the state’s planning authority.

Artist's impressions of $400 million Keystone tower behind Freemasons Hall on North Tce, Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

Adelaide’s first skyscraper standing 183m tall and costing $400m is recommended for approval by the state’s planning authority, three years after original designs were unveiled.

The Freemasons plan to build a 37-storey tower, behind its heritage-listed Grand Lodge building on North Tce, with the help of Melbourne property magnate Ross Pelligra.

The State Commission Assessment Panel will consider the application on Wednesday, which recommends planning consent be granted subject to reserved matters and conditions.

It follows several meetings the Freemasons had with the pre-lodgement panel, Adelaide City Council and the Environment Department, responsible for heritage matters.

The Freemasons agreed to enter into a heritage agreement with the Environment Minister to undertake conservation works to the Grand Lodge’s exterior and maintain its heritage fabric.

Artist impressions of a 183m-tall tower that would loom above Freemasons Hall on North Terrace, Adelaide.

The development attracted 40 submissions during public notification, with 26 not in favour of it due to issues such as its height, heritage reasons and overshadowing.

Thirteen people wish to be heard on their submissions during Wednesday’s meeting.

If approved, the building would feature the city’s first Westin Hotel, featuring 236-rooms, office space, wellness retreat, restaurants and an observatory across three levels.

The state-heritage listed Grand Lodge would continued to be used for Freemasonry activities, but a significant portion would be converted into a new museum.

It is envisaged the Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History (AMoSAH) would use most of the Grand Lodge space and five levels of the new tower.

An artist impression of the interior of a proposed Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History as part of the Freemasons Keystone Tower. Picture: supplied

Despite previous investigations to retain the Great Hall, it would be demolished but conservation works were intended for the North Tce frontage.

The Government Architect, the council and Adelaide Airport had no objection to the development.

Heritage SA supported the reuse of the Grand Lodge building and the minister’s agreement to ensure its ongoing maintenance and conservation works.

The Freemasons Hall on North Tce in the city.