Hi-tech transformation of old Royal Adelaide Hospital a “great opportunity” Lord Mayor says

AN AMBITIOUS plan to transform the old Royal Adelaide Hospital and turn it into a global hi-tech hub has got the tick of approval from the Adelaide City Council.

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AN AMBITIOUS plan to transform the old Royal Adelaide Hospital and turn it into a global hi-tech hub has been heralded as a “great opportunity” by the Adelaide City Council.

The plan, being spearheaded by the University of Adelaide, is to get a City Deal for the site — that would mean a long-term agreement between federal and state governments, as well as the Council, universities and industry.

The Advertiser revealed today that University Vice Chancellor Peter Rathjen wanted to see the state use the billions of defence dollars set to flow to create a “vibrant ecosystem” similar to Silicon Valley.

And the oRAH is the perfect spot because of its size and proximity to the city, he said.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said there had been “various discussions” about City Deals for years, and that he was keen to have a more formal engagement with the state and federal governments.

City Deals can be set in place for 20 years, with varying amounts of funding from those involved.

Mr Haese said it was a “great opportunity”.

“City Council clearly would welcome a City Deal for the City of Adelaide,” he said.

“Given the significance of the oRAH site and given the prominence of the oRAH site and given the imperative to do something meaningful on the oRAH site, we would be open to a discussion clearly with the State Government, with the Federal Government and potentially with the university with regards to the future of that site and the opportunity for a city deal on that site.”

Mr Haese said there had not yet been discussions on the exact location for a City Deal.

“But given the imperative to do something quite transformational on that site it could well be a good opportunity ... City Council will be a willing collaborator.”

City Councillor Anne Moran said anything that brought more Federal money into the city was a good idea, but outlined more immediate needs.

“My first thing would be to put the drug and alcohol services and homeless services in (the oRAH) straight away. There are theatres, beds, bathrooms.

“I would put the Hutt St Centre there immediately.”

She said Adelaide had a “terrible ice problem” and was talking about art galleries instead.

“It’s like building a pool in your backyard when your toilet doesn’t work,” she said.

The Advertiser has launched a Future Adelaide series to showcase ideas, concepts and plans to drive out state and city forward. If you have a Future Adelaide idea contact us at [e-mail].