[COM] Rundle Mall Redevelopment | $30m

[Xaragmata]

Does anyone know what used to be in the Toys R Us building before they moved in?
Also what was on that site before that ugly building was built?
I seem to recall something near the lifts saying it was built in 1972?

Cox Foys, later bought by Harris Scarfe, from memory. It had a rooftop funfair, with a small ferris wheel & other rides.

[dsriggs]

There was also a big Radio Rentals there in the late 80's/early 90's

[[Shuz]]

Went to Myer yesterday to do a small bit of shopping. I'd ventured upwards to the 4th and 5th levels (which I haven't been since the 90s) and was quite suprised how much of the original 90's decor is prevalent on those upper levels still. Although looking a little drab and worse for wear, it was nice to get a small flashback of an era that once was.

Dazzleland appears completely ripped out now, I couldn't find a single shred of evidence/old livery around the place. It's a bit intriguing to see that the 4/5/6th floors are just completely bare. It doesn't appear to be something that's the Myer Centre's fault (high rents or whatever) as it's completely understandable as customers (like myself) are only willing to go up maybe 2/3 floors in a shopping centre/department store before 'giving up' on looking for items as I felt subconciously closed in by seeing only what is front of me, rather than above me.

Myer Melbourne appears to be the exception, since the redevlopment as I think the 9 level void and the reach of natural light througout really helps 'open' up the space and encourages people to traverse upwards, because they are able to see that more lies above and around them.

It's amazing to think how a development back in 1993 costing $1b (in today's dollars) has just been a monumental and epic failure. I'd hate to think how that the Myer management could have made such a colossal mistake, stomach churning that such a big investment has fallen far below expected returns. I do wonder if the Adelaide Myer actually turns a profit still, or if the interstate counterparts are offsetting thier losses still to this day?

[Will]

Went to Myer yesterday to do a small bit of shopping. I'd ventured upwards to the 4th and 5th levels (which I haven't been since the 90s) and was quite suprised how much of the original 90's decor is prevalent on those upper levels still. Although looking a little drab and worse for wear, it was nice to get a small flashback of an era that once was.

Dazzleland appears completely ripped out now, I couldn't find a single shred of evidence/old livery around the place. It's a bit intriguing to see that the 4/5/6th floors are just completely bare. It doesn't appear to be something that's the Myer Centre's fault (high rents or whatever) as it's completely understandable as customers (like myself) are only willing to go up maybe 2/3 floors in a shopping centre/department store before 'giving up' on looking for items as I felt subconciously closed in by seeing only what is front of me, rather than above me.

Myer Melbourne appears to be the exception, since the redevlopment as I think the 9 level void and the reach of natural light througout really helps 'open' up the space and encourages people to traverse upwards, because they are able to see that more lies above and around them.

It's amazing to think how a development back in 1993 costing $1b (in today's dollars) has just been a monumental and epic failure. I'd hate to think how that the Myer management could have made such a colossal mistake, stomach churning that such a big investment has fallen far below expected returns. I do wonder if the Adelaide Myer actually turns a profit still, or if the interstate counterparts are offsetting thier losses still to this day?

Shuz, your post contains many mistakes. The project was not built by Myer, but by a company called REMM. It was built between 1988-91 and it cost $1 billion back then.

The project was financed by the State Bank, and not by Myer. Once complete, the entire complex was sold for $200 million; $800 million below its construction cost. The losses were paid for by the SA taxpayer, as part of the State Bank collapse.

The complex is not owned by Myer, but by Colonial First State, and yes the Myer store in Adelaide does turn a profit and is not been proped up.

[AtD]

You can still see bits and pieces of Dazzelland on the 4th floor - there is a walkway still open that connects Myer with the Gawler U-Park.

There is no 6th floor and never has been.

[[Shuz]]

Shuz, your post contains many mistakes. The project was not built by Myer, but by a company called REMM. It was built between 1988-91 and it cost $1 billion back then.

The project was financed by the State Bank, and not by Myer. Once complete, the entire complex was sold for $200 million; $800 million below its construction cost. The losses were paid for by the SA taxpayer, as part of the State Bank collapse.

The complex is not owned by Myer, but by Colonial First State, and yes the Myer store in Adelaide does turn a profit and is not been proped up.

Thanks for clearing that up. I knew the State Bank collapse had in part some involvement with the construction of the Myer Centre but I never really understood how that came to be. Makes sense now.

[Waewick]

that looks good the things that make me laugh

such a nice fit out....opened up to a cheap shop like HS

and the "sale" sign on one of the shops.

That would actually work really well if it was attached to a 6 start hotel.

[Xaragmata]

There was also a big Radio Rentals there in the late 80's/early 90's

In its "Malltown" days?

[pushbutton]

Until reading the last few posts I had no idea that the Toys R Us building was ever a department store, or that it ever contained an indoor amusement park (which by the sound of it was something similar to Dazzleland). I have only lived in Adelaide since 1989 so never saw it. If anyone has any old photos of how it looked back then (especially the amusement park bit) I'd really love to see.

[dsriggs]

The amusement park was actually on the roof of the building, not indoors.

[nevillness]

IMG_0486.PNG (149.86 KiB) Viewed 2822 times

[pushbutton]

Wow!

Why is it that all the fun stuff in Adelaide seems to only last a few years?

[Waewick]

Wow!

Why is it that all the fun stuff in Adelaide seems to only last a few years?

we're cheap

we also like to talk about the things we have, rather than use them

[duke]

Anyone have any guesses what will go in the area where Toys R Us is after the Adelaide store closes?
I think a K-Mart/BigW would go in there nicely if there was some serious refurbishment.

[Nathan]

Anyone have any guesses what will go in the area where Toys R Us is after the Adelaide store closes?
I think a K-Mart/BigW would go in there nicely if there was some serious refurbishment.

Is the ToysRUs store planning to close?