What to do with the Le Cornu site: Matthews Architects’ Gerald Matthews reveals his dream theatre

ADELAIDE has its oval, festival centre, museum and world-class art gallery. But there is one glaring omission in the city’s catalogue of cultural landmarks – a dedicated music hall.

Artist impression of Matthews Architects vision for 88 O'Connell St.

• Imagine this ... urban designer David Cooke outlines Le Cornu vision
• Part 2: Chasecrown vision for North Adelaide eyesore

ADELAIDE has its oval, festival centre, museum and world-class art gallery.

But there is one glaring omission in the city’s catalogue of cultural landmarks – a dedicated music hall.

Maybe its been about money.

Or maybe the powers that be have simply never found the right place.

In the final part of Advertiser.com.au’s three-part series on big ideas for North Adelaide’s Le Cornu site, Matthews Architects managing director Gerald Matthews argues the long-vacant lot is the ideal location for our new theatre of dreams.

Based in North Adelaide, the family-run, award-winning firm has drawn up designs for schools, businesses and local councils.

Here is how they would transform 88 O’Connell St.

Let’s inspire the world with our love of music

“GIVEN Adelaide is one of only 19 UNESCO cities of music in the world, Matthews Architects believes it is time our city built a music hall. 

We have spaces for conferences and theatre but we’ve never had a dedicated music venue. 

As well as providing a space worthy of our acclaimed Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, this could be a project to capture the imagination of music fans around the world. 

Far too many musicians visit Australia and skip Adelaide. But imagine if we had a music hall so remarkable and unique, it became the highlight of every artist’s world tour.

Our city already has apartments, shops and offices and there is no shortage of future opportunities for these. 

Let’s not squander this remarkable site with “more of the same”; let’s build something we’ve never had before.

Let’s inspire the world with our love of music.

88 O’Connell St has the potential to be a vibrant and active cultural hub, reconnecting North Adelaide to the CBD. 

Part of the street frontage will be utilised for restaurants, cafes and retail and we envisage a significant terraced podium, allowing opportunities for gathering and people-watching. 

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Our concept includes an elevated ‘town square’ overlooking the street, which could be used for events, festivals and markets. 

Much-needed underground parking has also been incorporated. From within the music hall the audience has a panoramic view of the city, glimpsed between the circular platforms making up the stages, seating and the ceiling.  From the street level, passers-by see the light and colour of the performance.

The experience of a great musical performance is shaped by the space in which it occurs. 

We wanted to create a design that allows performers and the audience to stay visually connected to the city. 

Unlike theatres, spaces for music don’t need to be lightproof, yet there are very few music venues in the world that take advantage of natural light or views.

The design makes use of the significance of the site, providing an exceptional music hall experience, worthy of our city’s UNESCO status.”