Former Adelaide Metro office to be repurposed as a 12-storey boutique hotel

A dormant city building prone to graffiti and vandalism will be converted into a boutique hotel, but the approved plan has been drastically slashed from the previous one. See the new pics.

A 12-storey boutique hotel planned for a trouble-plagued prominent city site has been approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel.

Sydney-based developer Equinox Property was given the green light to refurbish and repurpose the seven-storey former Adelaide Metro office at 75-79 King William St.

The development, which includes the construction of an additional five levels, has been drastically scaled back from a 39-storey Wyndham Grand Adelaide hotel proposed in 2018.

The proposed Wyndham Grand hotel.

The final render of 75 King William St. Picture: Loucas Zahos Architects

The previous $150m proposal, later downsized to 36-storeys, had been approved by SCAP and featured 347 rooms, an infinity pool, day spa and rooftop restaurant.

However, the approval timeframe for the towering hotel lapsed and the site has sat dormant for more than five years, becoming prone to graffiti and vandalism.

Michael Loucas, of Loucas Zahos Architects, worked on both plans, with the 12-storey building comprising of 129 hotel suites, a basement restaurant and retail space.

Equinox Property was unavailable for comment.

The former Adelaide Metro office.

The upper level of the new hotel. Picture: Loucas Zahos Architects

Adelaide Economic Development Agency manger Greg Ratsch said the ongoing investment into new hotels reflected developers’ confidence in Adelaide being a destination city.

“The current construction of the Treehouse Hotel, as part of the Market Square Development, and the Little National Hotel on North Terrace, and further approvals reflect confidence in Adelaide as a place to visit,” Mr Ratsch said.

“Demand for rooms have been driven by events, festivals, business conventions and international education.

“The Adelaide Economic Development Agency is committed to growing and strengthening the tourism sector. We are focused on enhancing Adelaide’s appeal as a global destination, expanding tourism products and experiences, and improving visitor services and accessibility.”

Originally published as Former Adelaide Metro office to be repurposed as a 12-storey boutique hotel