Port Adelaide inner harbour’s most significant development in decades revealed

A $20m redevelopment of an iconic Port Adelaide precinct is aimed at creating “one of South Australia’s must-see destinations”. See the pictures.

Port Adelaide’s historic inner harbour is poised for the most significant redevelopment in decades, with a $20m overhaul of the landmark Customs House precinct aimed at creating “one of South Australia’s must-see destinations”.

Opposite the Port’s iconic lighthouse, disused buildings dating back to the 1880s would be transformed into function, studio and gallery spaces, retail, indoor and outdoor alfresco dining, along with a brauhaus.

The remodelled entrance to the Customs House. Source: Supplied

Inside the proposed Customs House redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

The 4000m2 site, at the end of Commercial Rd, includes the vacant Customs House, Institute Buildings, Harbour Master’s residence and former Waterworks and Telegraph offices.

The development’s first stage would include demolition of the adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf Market Shed – approved in 2022 – for carparking to support the development.

Acting Premier and Port Adelaide MP Susan Close said the area was “undergoing a remarkable transformation and this sort of private investment is very welcome”.

One SMG managing director Hans Ehmann, a developer and major Port Adelaide landholder, said the buildings would be restored, reinstated to their original configuration and opened up to the public after being vacant for decades.

“The masterplan unlocks a long-dormant area which buzzed with life in the Port’s heyday and will make it the beating heart of the Port once more, with a world-class heritage plaza at its centre,” he said.

“It will become one of South Australia’s must-see destinations and I’m sure the Port community will be very proud of it.”

Alfresco cafe seating is proposed along Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide. Picture: supplied

The long-vacant buildings would be restored and opened up to the public. Picture: supplied

Plans include a landscaped public plaza, including an interpretative play area celebrating Port Adelaide’s heritage, and glass flooring along the main entrance to reveal the remains of the Harbour Master’s cellar.

Construction of the two-storey Customs House started in 1878, following a Victorian Italianate style and using Dry Creek bluestone with Sydney white freestone dressings.

The Customs Department occupied the building throughout the inner harbour’s heyday – it was Australia’s third-busiest port in 1950 – until offices were relocated in 1987.

Port Adelaide’s historic inner harbour has for decades been touted as a future boomtown like WA’s Fremantle but several redevelopments have yet to ignite the area.

Dr Close said developments including a new Port Dock rail spur and Dock One footbridge meant revitalising Customs House would “improve the overall amenity and accessibility of the area”.

“The Port’s maritime history is central to our city’s identity and I welcome developments that help to preserve this unique heritage,” she said.