[APP] Masonic Lodge | 183m | 37 Levels | Mixed Use

[Uncle Monty]

Story from API magazine. Haven’t heard about abseiling idea until now.

Adelaide’s newly approved tallest skyscraper set to be abseiling tourist attraction
The newly approved 183-metre Keystone Tower could set hearts jumping if the building's project managers get their way, and will be a centrepiece of a rapidly evolving Adelaide skyline and urban setting.

By Craig Francis
| 8-8-2024 | Development | 2 min read

Adelaide's imminent tallest skyscraper was a juggling act between modernity and heritage. (Image source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
Adelaide’s tallest skyscraper has been given the green light to ascend to the skies, as the owners look at ways visitors can descend via a thrilling abseiling attraction.

The 183-metre Keystone Tower on North Terrace had its development application submitted in January and had hoped to be approved by March, but despite delays to the approvals process it will now go ahead.

The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has cleared the way for construction to begin on the glass façade Keystone Tower that will feature a 238-room hotel under Marriot International’s Westin Hotels brand, as well as office space, a business lounge, function area, wellness centre and an observatory on the top levels.

Keystone Tower
Keystone Tower may make hearts jump (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The submission to SCAP was more than 700 pages long and will involve the adjoining Freemason’s heritage building being fully restored.

The Freemasons Hall Trust’s plan will transform this part of the city as what has been labelled Adelaide’s first genuine skyscraper. It will be 45 metres taller than the current title holder, the Crowne Plaza on Frome Street.

While it’s been an adrenaline-filled ride getting planning consent for Henry Davis, Adelaide City Councillor, Freemason and Project Director, the public may be the ones that will enjoy an enduring thrill.

“What we are seriously investigating is the ability to abseil down the side,” Mr Davis said.

“We want this to be a place for all South Australians to come and to look at this as a really important public building, and the idea that you can repel down the side and see Adelaide from every point of view is absolutely part of the product.”

The $400 million development that will be 37 storeys of mixed-use space is designed by Walter Brooke and Bara Consulting Group, in partnership with Melbourne-based Pelligra Group.

Detailed heritage agreements and conservation plans have been developed to protect the historical significance of the original 1927 Freemasons Hall building.

Article image
Render of the tower's planned interior. (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The tower will rise behind the masons’ heritage-listed Grand Lodge. The Great Hall will be demolished to make way for the glass-facade tower.

With the planning approval secured, the next steps include obtaining Building Consent, after which demolition of the rear hall and preservation work on the original structure will commence. It is hoped completion will come ahead of the original building’s centenary in 2027.

[VinyTapestry849]

Someone did an interview Henry Davis, the "visionary Director" behind the Keystone skyscraper project
Its about an hour long
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3Xddh-kssg

[Ursus Maritimus]

So it's approved, but this being Adelaide, what are the chances that it still doesn't get up?

[Nort]

So it's approved, but this being Adelaide, what are the chances that it still doesn't get up?

Wouldn't list that just as an Adelaide thing, our rates for seriously proposed projects getting up seems similar to that for Melbourne. They get a lot of proposed things that go nowhere, ours just tend to be more obvious since the less active scene means people get more excited about any proposal.

[prometheus2704]

So it's approved, but this being Adelaide, what are the chances that it still doesn't get up?

Incredibly low given the Mason's are retaining more than 50% controlling interest and this is key to their plan to secure their charity giving well into the future whilst preserving their own history and heritage.

[Prodical]

Not wanting to bump the thread but someone else did... I listened to the podcast interview, which was informative - but did not get a clear timetable for commencement. I go past twice a week and hopefully look for anything to happen

It would be really exciting to see this built and to provide Adelaide with a iconic structure that - in design and intent - looks to a positive future for SA. But in the back of my mind I have problems with the level of investment vs the income streams. It is a very large structure to be supported by a hotel and a museum. Maybe the high-end hotel operator is paying a premium to be there, but competition from the new Marriot will dampen demand at this level of accommodation. With completion aimed at 2027, I guess if nothing happens by year's end that will be an indicator.

Having said that, it would be really good to see this building get up, along with the new Walker Tower 2. As mentioned, there has been a large number of approvals that have gone nowhere (1 North Tce; Trinity City; Wyndham Grand; Gurner on Grote St; and the building on Twin street. So, here's hoping something starts in the next 3 months: applause:

[Patrick_27]

Not wanting to bump the thread but someone else did... I listened to the podcast interview, which was informative - but did not get a clear timetable for commencement. I go past twice a week and hopefully look for anything to happen

It would be really exciting to see this built and to provide Adelaide with a iconic structure that - in design and intent - looks to a positive future for SA. But in the back of my mind I have problems with the level of investment vs the income streams. It is a very large structure to be supported by a hotel and a museum. Maybe the high-end hotel operator is paying a premium to be there, but competition from the new Marriot will dampen demand at this level of accommodation. With completion aimed at 2027, I guess if nothing happens by year's end that will be an indicator.

Having said that, it would be really good to see this building get up, along with the new Walker Tower 2. As mentioned, there has been a large number of approvals that have gone nowhere (1 North Tce; Trinity City; Wyndham Grand; Gurner on Grote St; and the building on Twin street. So, here's hoping something starts in the next 3 months: applause:

I share your sentiments, I too would love to see this go up but am curious of the business case. I'm not an expert (which perhaps makes my skepticism worse because I preceive some loose ends in the return on investment). But the hotel component would have to bear the brunt of return for this to be viable, surely? I cannot see a museum (which would likely work under similar legislation to AGSA and SAM - free entry or minute admission fees) being a premium paying tenant, unless they are actually paying peanuts to be part of this build on the proviso the very mention of their tenancy was to help the 'masons way of luring in a higher end hotel operators to the table of discussion? Who knows! But will be interested to see how this unfolds.

[HiTouch]

Not wanting to bump the thread but someone else did... I listened to the podcast interview, which was informative - but did not get a clear timetable for commencement. I go past twice a week and hopefully look for anything to happen

It would be really exciting to see this built and to provide Adelaide with a iconic structure that - in design and intent - looks to a positive future for SA. But in the back of my mind I have problems with the level of investment vs the income streams. It is a very large structure to be supported by a hotel and a museum. Maybe the high-end hotel operator is paying a premium to be there, but competition from the new Marriot will dampen demand at this level of accommodation. With completion aimed at 2027, I guess if nothing happens by year's end that will be an indicator.

Having said that, it would be really good to see this building get up, along with the new Walker Tower 2. As mentioned, there has been a large number of approvals that have gone nowhere (1 North Tce; Trinity City; Wyndham Grand; Gurner on Grote St; and the building on Twin street. So, here's hoping something starts in the next 3 months: applause:

I share your sentiments, I too would love to see this go up but am curious of the business case. I'm not an expert (which perhaps makes my skepticism worse because I preceive some loose ends in the return on investment). But the hotel component would have to bear the brunt of return for this to be viable, surely? I cannot see a museum (which would likely work under similar legislation to AGSA and SAM - free entry or minute admission fees) being a premium paying tenant, unless they are actually paying peanuts to be part of this build on the proviso the very mention of their tenancy was to help the 'masons way of luring in a higher end hotel operators to the table of discussion? Who knows! But will be interested to see how this unfolds.

Well if freemasons are in control of the world and built the pyramids like the conpiracy theorists all yab on about, then I can imagine it would be quite easy to erect a structure.

[belivesinadsy]

ABC Adelaide's doing a live broadcast from the section planned for demolishment this Friday morning. Audience is being invited.

[abc]

ABC Adelaide's doing a live broadcast from the section planned for demolishment this Friday morning. Audience is being invited.

why?

[Dvious]

ABC Adelaide's doing a live broadcast from the section planned for demolishment this Friday morning. Audience is being invited.

why?

you should know, you're the one hosting!

[SouthAussie94]

ABC Adelaide's doing a live broadcast from the section planned for demolishment this Friday morning. Audience is being invited.

why?

you should know, you're the one hosting!

Imagine that. ABC News Breakfast hosted by abc.

Snarky one liners, the inability to listen, reason, or have a meaningful discussion..

[VinyTapestry849]

Imagine that. ABC News Breakfast hosted by abc.

Snarky one liners, the inability to listen, reason, or have a meaningful discussion..

I audibly laughed when I read this

[abc]

why?

you should know, you're the one hosting!

Imagine that. ABC News Breakfast hosted by abc.

Snarky one liners, the inability to listen, reason, or have a meaningful discussion..

you've just described Q&A

[VinyTapestry849]

Someone listen to that ABC radio thing tomorrow morning and summarise it for us