ABC to relocate Adelaide studios to CBD site

The ABC will move its Adelaide studios into the CBD and sell its Collinswood tower, bringing to an end more than 50 years of broadcasting at the landmark site.

The ABC building on North East Rd in Collinswood. Picture: Eugene Boisvert

The ABC will relocate its Adelaide studios into the CBD and sell off its tower block at Collinswood, bringing to an end more than 50 years of broadcasting at the landmark site.

The public broadcaster announced on Thursday that it had commenced a feasibility study into moving its studios and offices to a “more central site”, with a view to relocating its more than 200 staff into the new location by 2029.

ABC managing director David Anderson said the Collinswood building was “reaching the end of its suitability for the technology, production and staff requirements across all ABC teams who work there, including news, local radio and screen content”.

The ABC building on North East Rd, Collinswood. Picture: Eugene Boisvert

The building was officially opened by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1974.

“We’re very excited to be working with the South Australian government on this opportunity to ensure our facilities are built for the technological requirements of a modern national broadcaster,” Mr Anderson said.

“The feasibility study marks the start of the process that will help us determine the best outcome for everyone who works at ABC Adelaide and the best site to continue creating the content and services the public expects of us.”

The feasibility study will consider potential locations for the ABC’s new headquarters in the CBD, where it will join other media groups including The Advertiser, Channel Nine and 5AA.

The broadcaster will share its new headquarters with state government arts groups Country Arts SA, the State Theatre Company and State Opera South Australia.

An ABC spokesperson confirmed the ABC would now look to sell the 2ha Collinswood site “at an appropriate time”, and reinvest the proceeds into its new accommodation.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC sign being lifted to top of building at Collinswood 1972.

The tower on North East Rd has previously caught the attention of developers.

The tower on North East Rd has previously caught the attention of developers, who considered it as an opportunity to convert the eight-storey building into apartments.

In 2017, the Prospect Council proposed using part of the building as an export business incubator, where start-up businesses could secure access to high-speed internet.

Country Arts SA recently moved into the building as a tenant, while the State Theatre Company and State Opera South Australia will move there for the next four years before their new premises is ready.

Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said: “The state government welcomes the opportunity to work with the ABC on a feasibility study for a new location for the ABC as well as Country Arts, State Theatre and State Opera from 2029.

“We value our state’s arts and creative industries, and I look forward to exploring alternative sites to meet their needs for the future.”

Originally published as ABC to relocate Adelaide studios to CBD site