Tonsley ‘Aztec’ administration hub on South Rd up for sale in rare opportunity

It has one of Adelaide’s most unique looks for an office block – and now the Aztec building on South Rd is up for grabs.

The well-known 'Aztec' building at the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide is being opened up for development, with the state government now seeking expressions of interest. Picture: Planning Department

One of the southern suburbs’ best-known office buildings will hit the market in a rare sale that’s set to attract huge interest from developers.

The massive site on South Rd at the entrance of the Tonsley Innovation District – the Administration Hub – includes a 1960s office complex that features a huge, distinctive black and white Aztec mural along its eastern side.

Renewal SA is now offering the site to developers in what’s likely to be a multimillion-dollar deal but the price range is being kept confidential.

The site at 1 Tonsley Boulevard currently features a three-storey office building, with 12,30 sqm of lettable space, multi-use basement, and a 197-space open-air carpark.

About 60 per cent of the building is being leased to 13 tenants, CBRE says, with Renewal SA expected to take just over $1m in gross annual income by June.

The original Mitsubishi Motors office – about 3200 sqm – together with four other smaller vacant spaces offers “immediate value uplift”, CBRE says.

The 2.578ha allotment has almost 200m of frontage to South Rd, and is passed by almost 35,000 cars daily, creating a unique opportunity.

The well-known 'Aztec' building at the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide is being opened up for development, with the state government now seeking expressions of interest. Picture: Planning Department

However, subject to approvals, developers would be able to demolish the building – or refurbish it.

Property Council executive director Bruce Djite said he welcomed the government’s recent moves to bring sites such as the Tonsley Admin Hub to market.

“It will provide industry the opportunity to deliver a best and highest use outcome,” he said.

“This is a great site with significant potential. We have been advocating that Renewal SA’s resources are best used bringing under-utilised sites to market.”

The site’s location on South Rd connects directly with the state’s key industrial zones through the North-South Corridor.

Urban Development Minister Nick Champion called it a “highly visible site at the doorstep of Australia’s most awarded innovation district”.

“Opportunities like this do not come along very often,” he said.

“Expressions of interest are now open for a developer to make their own mark on this key parcel of land and build upon the exceptional community already enjoying Tonsley.”

Originally published as Tonsley ‘Aztec’ administration hub on South Rd up for sale in rare opportunity