[COM] Festival Plaza Tower 1 | 115m | 27 Levels | Office

[Alyx]

At least Walker build something, unlike the many failed proposals for the CBD in the last 4 years.

Apples and oranges.

[ChillyPhilly]

A quick one, with some embellishment.

[SRW]

I'd argue that the fact they're able to build on essentially gifted land and flood the market with commercial space is a contributing factor for proposals in the CBD not advancing.

My problem is not that something is built here (good!) but that it be to best public benefit whether that's usage, design, scale, or at the very least cost. The government has negotiated poorly on our behalf — if Walker is allowed to supersize their buildings, then there should be a commensurate contribution to funding public realm works at a minimum (not us paying $220m for plaza + $90m for Festival Centre).

[Ben]

Exactly. It’s a lot easier to build on free land…

Also this is meant to be a public plaza redevelopment. It’s become a cash cow for the government and Walker. The public losses out.

[ChillyPhilly]

To build on that I'm no NIMBY about a second tower, but it is incredibly shady and as has been said, this is a public space that belongs to the people, not a corporate developer.

A second tower has never been announced or part of any masterplan or render, and what HAS been in renders to date would better suit a public plaza (cafes, restaurants, retail).

[Nathan]

IMO the new building has activated what was a wasteland of old concrete and faded "sculptures" - that time has passed.

It was only a wasteland because they'd probably spent about $10 in maintenance over decades, and an ill-advised intervention which marooned it on an island.

[dsriggs]

It was only a wasteland because they'd probably spent about $10 in maintenance over decades

I thought the story was that the artist that was commissioned to design it back in the 70's refused permission to refurbish the plaza.

[Nathan]

It was only a wasteland because they'd probably spent about $10 in maintenance over decades

I thought the story was that the artist that was commissioned to design it back in the 70's refused permission to refurbish the plaza.

Otto Hajek died in 2005. His estate objected to saving one or two bits and plonking them elsewhere, with the argument that the entire plaza was a singular artwork.

[Mpol02]

Is prodical just vinnie under another username ?

If this is going ahead, Ben is it possible for them to get so far with plans renders etc and not make them public?

[Ben]

Is prodical just vinnie under another username ?

If this is going ahead, Ben is it possible for them to get so far with plans renders etc and not make them public?

nothing has been approved led alone lodged so nothing can or will happen in the short term. I have no doubt there are plans and renders being put together as we speak though.

[Mpol02]

Wild!

[VinyTapestry849]

According to Principal’s Project Requirements tower 2 is planned to be a 35-storey building

It better be taller then its stunted growth counterpart next door. Festival tower 1 is a disappointment in height.

[Patrick_27]

According to Principal’s Project Requirements tower 2 is planned to be a 35-storey building

It better be taller then its stunted growth counterpart next door. Festival tower 1 is a disappointment in height.

I’m so glad that you’re not a town planner…

[timtam20292]

Viny, the gift that keeps on giving...

[claybro]

IMO the new building has activated what was a wasteland of old concrete and faded "sculptures" - that time has passed.

It was only a wasteland because they'd probably spent about $10 in maintenance over decades, and an ill-advised intervention which marooned it on an island.

It was a wasteland, because a concrete space, void of any shade, or greenery, that is blazing hot in summer, and cold and windswept in winter, has no real use in Adelaide’s climate apart from the odd activation at festivals. As for the existing tower, had it been even slightly taller would have allowed for a more interesting shape, and less bulk to block out the public space below. The building turned out just ok. Nothing remarkable, but ok enough. At least Adelaide had now upped its game in terms of glass and facade finishes. To any second tower on this space.. for me, a definite NO.