Helen Gerard, one of the state’s wealthiest women, to build a $30 million, eight-storey apartment block at Thebarton
EXCLUSIVE: Helen Gerard, one of the state’s wealthiest women, is ready for her biggest challenge: building a $30 million, eight-storey apartment block at Thebarton.
HELEN Gerard, one of the state’s wealthiest women, is ready for the biggest challenge of her business career after approval to build a $30 million high-rise apartment tower block at Thebarton has been finally granted by state government.
Ms Gerard, a member of the high-flying Gerard family dynasty that sold the Clipsal electrical business to a French company in 2003 for $750m, told the Sunday Mail she has successfully appealed a decision of the Development Assessment Commission to knock back the 25m high eight-storey building.
The complex of 84 apartments with a ground level of coffee bars and shops is situated at 23-27 Walsh St, just off Port Road.
Issues with the initial application, rejected in July, including a lack of parking spaces, now increased by 40 spots, and a feature glass atrium, have been overcome and demolition of the current residences on three blocks will begin in June, with the build expected to take 18 months.
“I got worried when they (DAC) first rejected us but had faith in the project and faith in the location,” the Echunga resident said about the first development of its type in Thebarton.
“The prime position really appealed to me, opposite Bonython Park and right where the tram stops.
“And then you’ve got the new hospital close by, the Entertainment Centre and a new Coles shopping centre is being built.
“I would say in about five years, Thebarton is going to be the place to be.”
Ms Gerard, the sister of John Gerard and cousin of Robert Gerard, knows the area well as the headquarters of Gerard Industries was located at Bowden just down the road.
She’s has sought advice from family members but wanted the challenge of taking on a project alone and is the sole investor at this stage.
“I’ve bought and sold property before but not developed anything, but hearing the stories from John and Robert doing similar things got me thinking I could do it,” she added.
“I think it’s a great challenge and sure to keep me busy.”
As a merit Category 1 form of development, the initial application triggered referrals to the Government Architect, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development who oversees the DAC, and Adelaide Airport Limited, as the proposed building is on the flight path.
The eight storeys exceed the West Torrens Council policy of a maximum of six storeys for the area
Ms Gerard was insistent the 38 studio, 42 one-bedroom and four penthouse apartments – priced from $350,000-$600,000 – would be “spacious and well proportioned” and all exceed minimum size requirements.
The apartment block will be named “Windamere” in honour of another important venture for the entrepreneur and benefactor.
With a lifelong passion for animal welfare, Ms Gerard established Windamere Horse Haven, South Australia’s first equine sanctuary for unwanted horses four years ago.
The horse rescue centre and charity, with a second property at Monarto, was initially established on a rolling 4ha property just outside Hahndorf, outgrew the grounds and moved with Ms Gerard to her new 9ha Echunga property.
Inquiries at www.windamere.apartments