Property Council of SA warns against planning law change to save Crown & Anchor hotel

The state’s leading property industry body has warned a rally cry to change the law to save the venue would set a “dangerous precedent”.

The state’s leading property industry body has come out swinging against calls for state government intervention to save the imperilled Crown & Anchor Hotel, labelling any such move “emotionally driven and populist decision making”.

On Sunday, 3000 demonstrators took to the steps of Parliament House in a rally cry to change laws to prevent Singaporean developer Wee Hur Holdings Ltd from gutting the 171-year-old live music venue and replacing it with a cafe and yoga studio under a 19-storey student accommodation tower.

Thousands of live music fans gathered to rally to save the Crown & Anchor venue. Picture: Jessica Renaglia

The pub – affectionately known as the Cranker – is listed on the local heritage register, but those protections only safeguard the building’s historic facade.

The Greens have been campaigning for amendments that would see planning and heritage legislation give consideration to the cultural and social value of a place instead of just the build – a move Shadow Planning Minister Michelle Lensink said the Liberal Party would work to support.

Her party has also called on the government to look at ways for the hotel to receive state heritage listing.

But Property Council executive director Bruce Djite said political interference over the independent State Commission Assessment Panel’s process would set a “dangerous precedent” and deter future investors.

“It is not the job of politicians or advocacy bodies to decide what is or isn’t a good development – to do so would … completely undermine a fundamental reason the planning system exists,” Mr Djite said.

“If politicians are to interfere in the state’s independent planning process, it would materially increase the sovereign risk of investing in South Australia and signal that the state is hostile to business and capital investment.

This would be a disastrous outcome during a housing crisis, especially at a time when several projects struggle with feasibility.”

Property Council executive director Bruce Djite says the planning assessment process must remain independent. Picture: Tom Huntley

Legendary Aussie rock band The Angels joined the chorus of support to save the venue on Sunday, urging fans to sign a 22,000 signature-strong online petition.

“The Crown & Anchor Hotel – ‘the Cranker’ – is more than just a building, after 170 years it’s become a symbol of the Adelaide community’s history and their love for live music,” the band said.

“The Angels believe wholeheartedly in saving venues like the Crown & Anchor and they invite you and your friends to show your support by signing the petition as well.”

Last week, Housing Minister Nick Champion said “the government (was) assessing the motion from the Greens”.

“The Crown and Anchor development application will be assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) as delegate of the State Planning Commission,” he said.

“It is important that SCAP remains an independent committee to assess and determine development proposals in South Australia and not be influenced by politics.”