Adelaide is set to reach new heights with the proposed construction of its first skyscraper, a 38-storey tower at Festival Plaza.
Standing at 160 metres, this landmark development will be the tallest building in the city when completed in 2027, transforming Adelaide’s skyline and reinforcing the city’s growing status as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub.
The striking design, crafted after extensive consultation with the State Government Architect and regular design reviews, will deliver a modern and sustainable office building that blends functionality with architectural elegance.
The new tower will replace the original three-storey retail proposal, which would have obscured views of Parliament House’s historic façade and balcony. The updated design includes a minimum nine-metre setback from Parliament House’s northern façade, preserving its visual integrity and heritage value.
It will feature 30 floors of premium office space, secure parking, and state-of-the-art end-of-trip facilities with the ground levels hosting a mix of restaurants, cafés, and bars, expected to create up to 100 retail jobs and accommodate approximately 5,000 office workers.
Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed his excitement about the project.
“Our state’s economy is growing, and our city is growing up. This will be an iconic building that will define Adelaide’s skyline. We want and need more workers in our city, and this sends a clear message that SA is open for business and investment.
“This development will be a lynchpin of a reinvigorated Festival Plaza and bring in more than a billion dollars in annual economic activity to the area,” Mr Malinauskas said.
The $1 billion development by Walker Corporation, in partnership with Built, the construction company behind the adjacent Festival Tower, will span nearly 50,000m² over 38 levels.
One of the standout features of the new skyscraper will be its rooftop bar and restaurant, offering panoramic views of the Riverbank, Adelaide Oval, and the Adelaide Hills.
The development will also include a new laneway between the tower and Parliament House, further activating the plaza with additional hospitality and retail options.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project. The tower is designed to be Adelaide’s largest all-electric commercial building, featuring the city’s most extensive solar array on a commercial site.
Construction has already begun with early site preparation underway. This new skyscraper promises to become an enduring symbol of the city’s progress and ambition.
