Adelaide skyline of the future revealed in new 3D model

Ever wondered what Adelaide’s skyline will look like once dozens of planned high-rise projects are built? A new 3D model offers a glimpse into the future.

Major CBD construction projects are powering ahead in the aftermath of Covid-19 and now a new 3D model reveals how the current pipeline of developments is set to transform the city.

Using data from the state government’s planning and development body PlanSA, local digital mapping company Aerometrex has developed the model, which superimposes dozens of projects under construction or with planning approval over a 3D model of the CBD.

The futuristic view of the city shows how current projects are continuing to build up traditional high-rise areas along North Tce, King William St and Pirie St, and how the redevelopment of the Central Market Arcade will become the heart of an emerging precinct west of Victoria Square.

According to PlanSA figures, 885 development applications were lodged in the 11 months to May with a combined development cost of $1.55bn.

That compares with 961 applications worth $1.49bn in the 2020-21 financial year.

3D model of Adelaide CBD showing development projects under construction (orange) and approved (green). Produced and supplied by Aerometrex

In the 11 months to May, 18 major projects requiring approval from the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) – typically those with a cost exceeding $10m – were lodged with a combined development cost of $895m.

That compares with 20 projects in 2020-21 worth a combined $1.03bn.

The last remaining traders in the Central Market Arcade will close their doors on Friday ahead of construction of a $400m redevelopment, including new apartments, a hotel, offices, a rooftop terrace garden, a childcare centre, retail shops and more.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said it was one of several projects that would transform the city’s skyline over the coming years.

“Adelaide’s skyline is dotted with cranes and the city is abuzz with construction workers demonstrating the confidence investors have in our city right now,” she said.

“Construction is now under way on the $250m development at Eighty Eight O’Connell, which will revitalise the O’Connell St precinct.

The $400m Market Square project will transform the Central Market precinct.

“The council, in partnership with ICD, is also delivering the $400m Market Square development in the heart of the city.

“We are creating a world class fresh-food destination, which will attract an additional one million people to the market precinct each year and bring hundreds of new residents and 1000 jobs to the city.

“There’s no doubt the city has faced some challenges in recent times and, two years on, we’re growing our way forward and positioning our city for future growth and opportunities.

“A key focus moving forward will be increasing the residential population in the city and strategic developments, both large and small, will help boost our city population.”

High-rise developments have added density to the city’s East End in recent years with the Realm and Adelaidean/Crowne Plaza apartment and hotel towers becoming the city’s tallest two buildings.

The nearby Yugo and The Switch student accommodation projects, completed in recent weeks, are also among the city’s tallest.

Victoria Tower project planned for Grote St.

The Wyndham Grand hotel planned for the former Adelaide Metro information centre site.

However, developers are increasingly turning their attention to the city’s West End with several approved towers earmarked for prominent sites west of King William St.

Construction of a 34-storey Wyndham Grand hotel at the former Adelaide Metro information centre site on King William St is expected to start next year, while plans for two 32-storey towers at the Newmarket Hotel site, at the intersection of North and West terraces, won planning approval last year.

Projects currently under construction in the west end include Walker Corporation’s 27-storey Festival Plaza office tower and the hi-tech Australian Bragg Centre, which will add to the city’s burgeoning biomedical precinct on North Tce.

And while much earlier in the planning process, luxury developer Tim Gurner’s vision to transform the former Australian Post site on Grote St into a $1.25bn precinct, including a five-star hotel, more than 750 apartments and a public plaza, could be a game-changer for the West End.

Property Council SA executive director Daniel Gannon said the city’s growing reputation for being a hi-tech hub would generate even more CBD development in the coming years.

“Across the city skyline and throughout the pandemic we’ve seen Charter Hall, Cbus Property, Walker Corporation and ICD Property commence and develop iconic sites – unprecedented levels of investment,” he said.

The Australia Bragg Centre, currently under construction, will add to the city’s burgeoning biomedical precinct on North Tce.

“South Australia is rapidly developing a reputation as an innovation and technology centre, as well as a red-hot place to invest.

“Lot Fourteen, established a few short years ago, has already become an iconic landmark in the Adelaide cityscape. An exciting new stage in the precinct lies ahead with the new Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre a powerful generator of jobs of the future.

“This means that Adelaide is cementing its reputation as a major technology hub and over the next decade will continue to attract the world’s best and brightest minds to our city.

“As our population increases, we will need more housing to accommodate these workers, and these workers in all likelihood will be attracted to CBD living which will require more high-quality apartment accommodation.”

The $200m Marriott hotel is expected to open next year.

There are currently two projects in planning that would tower above the city’s tallest buildings but both are yet to secure planning approval.

Sydney Developer JWDT Group has lodged plans for a 55-storey, 180m apartment and hotel tower on the southwest corner of Pulteney and Flinders streets, while the Freemasons SA/NT branch wants to build a 160m-tall tower behind Freemasons Hall on North Tce.

Aerometrex produces highly accurate 3D models used by government, engineering, architecture and property management organisations.

The company’s 3D product specialist Marko Tuominen said the models were produced through a technique called photogrammetry.

“We capture cities taking tens of thousands of photographs with high-end aerial camera systems,” he said.

“These photos are processed into precise 3D representations of reality used for applications such as design and analysis, as well as to convey photorealistic visualisations of proposed projects and future planning scenarios.”

Originally published as Adelaide skyline of the future revealed in new 3D model