Merlino Development Group’s $30m plan to revive former Primitive Methodist Church in North Adelaide
A historic slice of the former Channel 9 studios site would be revamped with offices and a rooftop restaurant and bar as part of a $30m project. See the plans.
A historic slice of the former Channel 9 studios site in North Adelaide would be transformed into new offices and a rooftop restaurant and bar as part of a developer’s plans to breathe new life into the dormant building.
Merlino Development Group acquired the former Primitive Methodist Church on Tynte St last month and has submitted plans for a $30m revamp that would include more than 800sq m of office space across three levels and nine tenancies, and a 130-seat restaurant and bar with views over Wellington Square and the CBD.
Merlino director Domenic Merlino said extensive conservation works would be carried out to bring the state heritage-listed building back to its former glory, with design work being led by Matthew Architects.
“This is more than just a building, this is a piece of history. It’s been sitting vacant now for 20 years,” he said.
“Our whole design is about bringing out the key features and magnifying the beauty of the building.
“We’re hoping people will see the potential – being a building that’s been sitting around now for 20 years unoccupied – that this is the best hope it’s got of getting off the ground and actually bringing some life into it.”
The former church on Wellington Square is the last remaining portion of undeveloped space on the former Channel 9 site, where serviced apartments have been built following the network’s relocation into the CBD in 2015.
The building’s previous owners, Paley Properties, secured planning approval for a residential conversion in 2021.
However Mr Merlino said he was already in talks with potential tenants for both the office and restaurant spaces in the building, where he was also planning to relocate his company’s head office.
Property records show Merlino paid $4.015m for the property last month.
“I think North Adelaide is screaming out for new restaurants and new life coming into it, especially with 88 O’Connell on the way to being finished. I think it’s going to be an exciting place for residents and the general public,” Mr Merlino said.
Merlino’s plans are currently out for public notification, with submissions closing on July 3.
Mr Merlino said he was hopeful of securing planning approval in August, followed by construction work in September and completion of the project by the middle of next year.
Mr Merlino, 30, started developing residential projects more than a decade ago before moving into the industrial market where he is now progressing several major projects across Adelaide.
The first stage of a $220m, 120-warehouse development at Pennington is expected to break ground next month, while construction of 32 warehouses in another industrial development on Santo Parade at Port Adelaide will kick off around the same time.
They follow last week’s completion of 16 warehouses on Eastern Parade at Port Adelaide, which are currently on offer to buyers.
Mr Merlino said he remained bullish about the prospects for Adelaide’s industrial property market amid a shortage of space across the city, while he was also exploring opportunities in other segments including in the office market.
“We’ll be looking to diversify into that office and commercial space around the outskirts of the city,” he said.
“I believe Adelaide has been a sleeping giant for a long time, and there’s such a great opportunity for all businesses moving forward over the next 10 years.”
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