‘This stinks’: Greens politician derides plans for second tower at Festival Plaza redevelopment

A state Greens politician has condemned plans to build a second tower at the Festival Plaza redevelopment, saying “every element of this stinks for the South Australian taxpayer”.

A state Greens politician has condemned the plans to build a second tower at the Festival Plaza redevelopment, claiming many people would be “really disappointed” with the proposal.

The condemnation of the plans by Greens MLC Robert Simms came after the long-expected formal proposal to build a second tower behind the controversial Festival Plaza Tower was lodged with the state government.

Planning Minister Nick Champion confirmed the site’s developer, Walker Corporation, had lodged the proposal to develop in the airspace above the three-storey retail/entertainment complex to be constructed next to the 29-storey tower.

Mr Simms said the plans are “absolutely outrageous” on ABC Radio Adelaide on Thursday morning.

“We literally have the Walker Corporation towering over our Parliament House.”

He said the proposal would not be popular among South Australians.

“Every element of this stinks for the South Australian taxpayer.

“I think a lot of people who spend time in the city will be really disappointed to hear that this is even being contemplated.”

Mr Champion hit back at Mr Simms’ claims stating that the site needs to be put to better use.

“I think he even he would conceded the square previously has been an under-utilised space,” Mr Champion said.

“We want a strong civic outcome that’s particularly aimed at making the square a usable, functioning place”

The 115m Festival Plaza Tower. Picture: Ben Clark

In September, The Advertiser revealed Walker Corporation was likely to lodge plans for a second tower.

Mr Champion said the proposal for the second tower, submitted in early February, was currently being evaluated by Renewal SA.

“Our Government will consider the advice received while maintaining the right to accept or reject any proposal with absolute discretion,” Mr Champion said.

“We also recognise Walker Corporation is currently committed legally to building the three-storey (retail/entertainment) development, in what would be a poor public policy outcome which fails to make the most of the iconic space.

Mr Champion called for debate about integrating the civic square and parliament into the precinct’s development.

“We’ve got a building here that was built in the earlier part of the last century and, obviously, things have changed in that time,” he said.

“Having some modern civic space – that is what areas people use, whether it’s school groups, or other visitors or citizens coming to watch the parliament and the like – we should have a sensible debate about that as well.”

A second tower could be build next to the controversial Festival Plaza Tower. Picture: ARM Architecture

In September, Mr Champion told The Advertiser relocating Premier Peter Malinauskas’ office and other functions of the State Administration Centre, built in 1967, should also be open for debate.

Construction of the 115m “One Festival Tower” building, the tallest electric-only in Adelaide, is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

“This is an important opportunity to get the right outcome for the Festival Plaza in the long-term while considering the surrounding Riverbank Precinct and wider community needs.

“The proposal put forward would need to meet these requirements, along with all relevant planning approvals, to get off the ground and maximise cultural and business opportunities for the State.”

On Friday, it was announced the Festival Plaza Tower had reached its peak of 115m, making it the tallest electric-only building in the city.

The Walker Corporation said the building, which will house Deloitte, Flinders University, Mott MacDonald and VALO, was 90 per cent tenanted.

In February, The Advertiser revealed the Festival Plaza Tower was at the centre of a safety inquiry after a foot-long piece of plywood fell from the tower into parliament’s courtyard.