State government delays to landmark plans for SA history museum may jeopardise state’s bicentenary anniversary

Delays to plans could jeopardise a state landmark milestone with South Australians deserving to have a “missing piece” of the state’s identity filled.

An artist impression of the interior of a proposed Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History as part of the Freemasons Keystone Tower. Picture: supplied

South Australians deserve to have a “missing piece” of the state’s identity filled with a landmark history museum amid fears funding delays could jeopardise a major milestone.

The Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History (AMoSAH) is earmarked on five floors within the city’s first skyscraper behind the heritage listed Freemasons’ Grand Lodge building.

The History Trust of SA has raised concerns state government delays could jeopardise the North Tce facility being ready for the state’s bicentenary anniversary in 2036.

Taxpayers are being asked to contribute at least $50m “support” for operating costs and an annual lease fee.

Artist's impression of Keystone tower on North Tce in Adelaide. Picture: Supplied by Marriott International

It would be located behind the heritage listed Freemasons’ Grand Lodge building. Picture: Supplied by Marriott International

Ministers are now considering Treasury help as the SA Museum faces its own restructure amid fears about its long-term financial position.

The Freemasons are prepared to fund the project, which is part of the $400m, 37 storey Keystone Tower proposal.

The project’s owners say developers would spend more than $200m to construct, and fit out, the museum’s 8000sqm space by 2027.

The museum would take a 50-year lease, costing $14m annually, with incentives.

The government could also convert the lease to ownership at any stage.

A business case the History Trust commissioned, which identified Keystone Tower as the museum’s preferred location, suggests it would attract up to 1 million visitations every year, showcasing more than 35,000 trust objects.

The museum would showcase more than 35,000 objects from the History Trust. Picture: supplied

The $250,000 document, finalised in January 2022, argues it would generate between $214m and $250m in “total benefits” to the state’s economy.

The 127-page report, which was presented to the Labor state government shortly after it took office almost two years ago, outlines three options for the museum including as a new build, adapting an existing building or helping fund a joint Freemasons Hall venture.

Original costs ranged between $46m and $145m.

Taxpayers are being asked to contribute $50m in “support” to the project. Picture: Freemasons SA/NT

History Trust chief executive, Greg Mackie, said it was “time we cracked on and did it”.

“It’s the missing link in our state museum offerings,” he said.

“The window is closing to seize this unique opportunity. Freemasons have placed a generous deal before the Premier. It is up to him to seize the day.

“The people of South Australia deserve a museum from us.”

A government spokesman on Sunday said officials were “supportive of the development on the Freemasons site”.

He said authorities commended the private development the Pelligra Group is developing with the Freemasons.

“The State Government is aware of a $50m proposal to support the project. Currently there is no budget allocation to the proposal,” he said.

“The Government is meeting the proponents and Treasury and will consider the request as part of the 2024/25 budget process.”