Proposed student accommodation tower at Franklin Street rejected by state’s planning panel
A 100m tall tower, designed to house 515 international students, in the Adelaide CBD has been knocked back by the state’s expert planning panel, who gave multiple reasons why.
SA News
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The state’s planning panel has rejected a proposed 515-bed, 100-metre-tall international student housing tower in the city after being nearly twice the recommended height limit.
On Tuesday, the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) rejected the proposal for the 30-storey student accommodation, which would have seen 338 units built on a cramped allotment next to the old Franklin Street bus terminal and The Joinery community centre.
According to minutes published by an expert SCAP panel on Wednesday, the project did “not demonstrate high quality design”, nor did it “positively respond to the local context of the site”.
“The proposal fails to provide a contextual design response that manages differences in scale and building proportions to maintain a cohesive streetscape and frame city streets,” the SCAP said.
“The proposal does not positively contribute to the character of the local area by responding to local context.
“The proposal fails to qualify for over height development.”
The project, put forward by developer Auriga Investments, was also rejected over concerns about student amenity and a lack of communal space within the tower.
“The proposed room amenity is not considered to maximise access to sunlight and ventilation,” the SCAP said.
“The proposal would not provide sufficient communal space and amenity to these areas which suits requirements of student life or promote social interaction.”
The SCAP also cited concerns about student amenity and a lack of communal space within the tower.
A student cafe and entry lobby on the ground floor was a part of the proposal, which also would have seen a games room, meeting room, a laundry, a communal area, study area and gym on level two.
There was also a rooftop terrace on level 29 in the design for residents.
The land at 133 Franklin Street is owned by Auriga Investments, and is currently home to a historic stone building occupied by an anxiety disorders and trauma clinic.
Built in the mid-to-late 1800s, the building is not heritage listed and would be demolished if a project is approved by the SCAP.
The Advertiser has contacted Auriga Investments for comment.
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