New owners for run-down Hackney Lodge planning mixed-use development at heritage site

Sitting empty for years at the mercy of cockroaches and vandals, the new owners of a South Australian landmark have revealed plans to redevelop it.

Romilly House, also known as Hackney Lodge, has been unoccupied since 2017 and has suffered severe vandalism. Picture: Brenton Edwards

A landmark South Australian heritage building left to rot and targeted by vandals has been given a fresh lease on life.

Hackney Lodge at 1 North Terrace, Hackney was forcibly shut by health authorities in 2017 because of a cockroach infestation, with all tenants evicted.

The 140-year-old building’s future remained shrouded in uncertainty, but it can be revealed a new developer has bought the property and wants to restore it.

Hackney Projects purchased the boarding house in 2022and plans to repair and transform it into a “mixed-use development”, according to a spokesman for Environment Minister Susan Close.

Hackney Lodge – also known as Romilly House – on the corner of Hackney Rd and North Tce – will be redeveloped. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The building has been empty since 2017 after a cockroach infestation. Picture: Brenton Edwards

No plans have been lodged yet, but the spokesman said this would happen “in the coming months” and the developer was consulting with Heritage SA.

Hackney Projects’ sole director, Alex Asteris, was contacted for comment.

It is understood the building suffers from termite infestation, mould and damage to the interior walls.

Also known as Romilly House, the accommodation was previously owned by developer Rudi Bodonyi until his death three years ago, aged 95.

The Advertiser previously reported vandals had trashed the inside and periodically sprayed graffiti over the facade.

The outside of Hackney Lodge in 2021. Picture: Help Save South Australia's History from Demolition

Vandals also damaged the inside and ripped out parts of the staircase. Picture: Help Save South Australia's History from Demolition

Shortly before his death, Mr Bodonyi said the property had “tremendous long-term opportunities” but conceded a prospective buyer would have “a lot of work” to restore it.

Developer Rudi Bodonyi in front of Hackney Lodge after purchasing it in 1999. Picture: Neon Martin

Hackney Lodge is one of several heritage buildings in the Adelaide CBD that remain languishing after years of neglect.

They include the sandstone Edmund Wright House, which has been unoccupied for 10 years, and the Gawler Chambers, which has sat empty since 2004.

In March, the state government said it would hike the maximum fines for damaging a heritage-listed property from $120,000 to $500,000, and introduce a $1m fine for companies that do the same.