Owner of 2KW bar on King William St raises concerns over Walker Tower ‘obliterating’ CBD views

A planning tete-a-tete has kicked off over plans for a mega 38-storey development, with views from one of the CBD’s most iconic venues set to be blocked.

One of the CBD’s most iconic rooftop bars could have its view obliterated by a second planned high-rise development for Festival Plaza, with owners raising concerns over the building’s impact on the Riverbank skyline.

Earlier this month, the state government unveiled Walker Corporation’s plans for a “sleek” 38-storey tower that will be home to almost 10,000 workers – and dwarf the existing 29-storey One Festival Tower.

But Palmer Hospitality owner Martin Palmer, who runs popular CBD bar 2KW, has raised concerns over the tower’s potential impact on Riverbank views from venues along North Tce and King William St.

“I’m not saying whether it should or shouldn’t go ahead, but I do believe that one of the unintended consequences (of the development) is that it would block out all the views from not just 2KW, but all the buildings in that area,” Mr Palmer told The Advertiser.

“People from Adelaide, when they have interstate or overseas guests, they take them to 2KW because (the view) is iconic and showcases the city – and we’re going to lose that if the building is built.”

The state government has announced plans for a second Walker Tower at Festival Plaza. Picture: Supplied

The owner of 2KW, one of the CBD’s most iconic venues, has raised concerns over its views being obliterated by the development. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Palmer said he had spoken to other hospitality proprietors in the area with similar concerns, but stressed that he didn’t believe it was a “reason not to build” the tower.

“The views aren’t the reason for 2KW’s success, but it does mean the venue will lose its uniqueness,” he said.

“I just believe this should be a consideration in terms of assessing the project and should be raised so that people are aware this will be a consequence of its construction.”

Planning Minister Nick Champion said he believed the project would be an economic boon for the CBD and that the site had been chosen for the “unique opportunity” it presented to activate the at-present largely dormant plaza area.

“I think they’ll still have great views and still be a great bar – the good news is, there’ll be over 14,000 workers on Festival Plaza … providing a whole host of economic activity to this general area,” Mr Champion said.

“So I think every bar and every business on North Terrace Festival Plaza will benefit from that economic activity … (and) I think probably what (patrons will) do now is take selfies of the second tower of a very accessible active Plaza.”

The new plans include 36 floors of commercial office space, an option for 3000 sqm of public civic space over four levels, a grand glass foyer, two floors of high-quality food and beverage space, terrace-level dining and 800 sqm of additional public plaza.

Subject to planning approval – which is now being sought – and tenancy agreements, construction on the project is expected to start in 2025 before the tower is completed as early as mid-2027.