Plans to demolish former city pub, backpacker hostel for 26-storey hotel

A 26-storey CBD hotel with a rooftop bar is planned to replace a landmark former pub and backpacker hostel that dates back to 1863.

Developers have applied to demolish an iconic city building to construct a high-rise hotel with 234 rooms on the corner of Wakefield and Pulteney Street.

The Backpack Oz hostel, which shut its doors last year, called the site at 144 Wakefield St home since 1999.

Before that, the two-storey building was formerly the Orient Hotel which operated between 1863 and 1996.

The developers, Phillip Brunning & Associates, have applied to SA Planning Commission to construct a 26-storey hotel on the site, consisting of tourist accommodation, a restaurant and rooftop bar.

The former Orient Hotel/Backpack Oz hostel on the Pulteney/Wakefield Street corner is set to be replaced by a 26-storey hotel. Picture: PACT Architects

It is understood the building, if approved, will include a large LED display on the outside of the building on the corner of Wakefield and Pulteney streets, containing a mix of third-party and hotel advertising and community messaging.

The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) will determine whether to grant planning consent next Wednesday.

Government planning officer Karl Woehle has recommended the SCAP approve the development even though the building’s 86.5m height would exceed the 53m maximum for the site by 33.5m.

“While this equates to an additional 63 per cent over the desired height, it is considered acceptable, given the height of surrounding developments and the achievement of the over-height criteria,” Woehle wrote in his recommendation.

The former Backpack Oz hostel, which currently sits on the site to be developed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The former Orient Hotel/Backpack Oz hostel on the Pulteney/Wakefield Street corner is set to be replaced by a 26-storey hotel. Picture: PACT Architects

“The proposed height of the building, relative to the width and the depth, results in a slender tower within the cityscape that will be a prominent feature within this portion of the city for the short to medium term.

“The overall composition, bulk, detailing, and appearance are appropriate, particularly given the visibility of the tower.”

The developer’s initial concept was a 32-storey, 106m hotel, according to Mr Woehle.

However, the plan was revised during the pre-lodgement and design review process.

If approved, the hotel would join a slew of high-rise developments the SCAP has approved in the city’s east including the 55-level, 180m tall building which will replace the newly developed Crowne Hotel as Adelaide’s tallest building when completed.