News & Discussion: General CBD Development

[[Shuz]]

Property developer Theo Maras looks out toward Rundle Mall. Picture: Nigel Parsons
Source: The Advertiser

A $4.5 MILLION tourist and residential development, that will bring visitors to the East End, has been approved by the Development Assessment Commission

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/real-esta ... 6241220726




not sure where this goes - I can't believe the Council knocked this back.

At the risk of being howled and scoffed at - but IMO, because of its location in the the East End - that looks too tall. If they did away with the top three levels, and kept the visitor centre part, I think it'd work well with the surrounding environment (the contrast of old and new) and would look pretty good.

[Waewick]

I guess in this instance it is a matter of taking the good with the bad

given the bad isn't really all that bad.

[Wayno]

This is on the Everfresh mural location, set back from Rundle St by 20metres or so. The height is ok in my opinion.

[Pants]

...especially considering the East End Apartments behind it and probably the car park directly across the road are as tall or taller.

[jk1237]

so it appears now that the Rundle St building (that has Saba) is going to stay. from what I remember this looks a much better render than what they produced a coupla years ago.

height is fine. The apartments around the corner in Ebenezor Pla aren't any smaller

[SRW]

Height is fine, design too, but what exactly is it supposed to be? Vague statements about it being a 'tourist facility' have me sceptical. Is it a hotel or an upmarket backpackers? Also, the article mentions residential rooms on the ground floor -- does this mean there'll be no shopfronts? Poor decision, if so, given the opportunity to lead Rundle Street retail more cohesively around to Ebenezer Place.

[SRW]

More info:

Loophole leads to high rise approval
ABC News Online, 11 January 2011

A high rise project in Adelaide's East End will go ahead after developers were able to exploit a loophole in planning laws.

The proposed six-storey block was twice rejected by the City Council's Development Assessment Panel on the grounds it would be too high and out of character with the surrounding area.

But the council's decision was superseded by the State Government's Development Assessment Commission who have since approved the $4.5 million building.

After a law change, the commission is restricted to considering projects valued at more than $10 million.

But a separate application to the commission prior to the law change allowed developers to seek the commission's approval.

The building is planned for the corner of Union Street and Ebenezer Place off Rundle Street, next to the old East End market facade.

The site's developer Theo Maras says the building should never have been rejected in the first place.

"Irrespective of the assessment that was made by the council's offices, both Planning, Heritage and Development, which all recommended approval, the Development Assessment Panel refused the application," he said.

"However there was a live application that was previously presented to the Development Assessment Commission which we applied to for the approval of this particular development and then it was approved."

He says the situation shows the council needs to review its planning rules.

"The independent panel does not take advice and certainly does not go in line with the assessments that are made, which has become a major problem for development in the city and has in fact stifled development, and the Government should in fact be reviewing this process," he said.

[crawf]

The height and design is fine, though I am against it for one reason only. That is the possible destruction of the brilliant Everfresh mural, it's become a bit of a landmark for the East End precinct and it would be such a shame to see it ruined.

It could be incorporated into a funky cafe or bar, but some of it would probably have to be removed. I am hoping the ground floor apartment is a mistake by the Advertiser, it sounds a little odd.

[rev]

Weren't they going to incorporate that wall with the mural into the ground floor, with a cafe?
Or was that merely a suggestion here on S-A by someone?

And did anyone else notice in the articles photo caption, it says Theo Marras is looking out over Rundle Mall, when he is actually looking out over Rundle Street?

[Will]

From the Advertiser:

Great news, although it would be nice if this idea could be made permanent. That stretch of Gresham Place is perfect for this type of venture.

Alfresco dining extended across city with Splash Adelaide project

by: Steve Rice From: The Advertiser January 26, 2012 12:00AM



Alice Brook, Kyra Compton and Yana Lehey, in Gresham Place,which is being transformed into the outdoor dining area of Saldechin. Picture: Tricia Watkinson Source: The Advertiser


SUMMER nights and outdoor dining go hand-in-hand and now city revellers can enjoy both, with alfresco dining in the heart of the CBD.
Saldechin, a restaurant and tearoom on King William St, now has an outdoor dining area and laneway bar in Gresham Place using an artificial grass floor, lighting and decorations to create a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.

Gresham Place, off King William St, will close to accommodate the dining area, which is part of Splash Adelaide - a project designed to invigorate city streets and spaces.

Patrons can enjoy food, drinks and music every day from 11am, until the end of March.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said the transformation would help create a new city experience.

"We want to see innovative approaches that bring vibrancy and activity to the city and we want to see more people spending time outside, enjoying themselves and soaking up our wonderful city atmosphere," he said.

Kyra Compton, of Nailsworth, said outdoor dining would be popular in the warmer months.

"I think it's going to be amazing and it's good to have a lot more energy in the city," she said.

Splash Adelaide runs until the end of March, with more activities to be announced in the coming weeks, including a new bike hub at Hindmarsh Square.

[Wayno]

This is a good example of Yarwood's strategy - get the Council to relax their bylaws, take risks, collaborate direct with city business, try new things. Well done!

I'm sure some of these trials will become permanent.

[jk1237]

I wondered what all that was down that lane. I was thinking it was for a function for the cricket test. Great idea

and yeah, whats all those shipping containers doing in Hindmrash Sq, in front of the Conservatory

[Nathan]

and yeah, whats all those shipping containers doing in Hindmrash Sq, in front of the Conservatory

That's a BikeSA bicycle hub, another Splash Adelaide trial.

WHAT? A community Bike Hub reclaiming road space and encouraging a more healthy and liveable Adelaide
WHEN? 23 January to 31 March
WHERE? South-west corner of Hindmarsh Square

Bicycle SA has for some time been looking for opportunities to establish a Bike Hub within the city. The Adelaide City Council’s Splash Adelaide Program provides just the right mix of ingredients. In fact, Council liked the idea so much they established a partnership with Bicycle SA to create something truly unique as part of their Splash Adelaide program – the Hindmarsh Square Bike Hub. The brilliant designers at Hassell Architects also thought it was a great project to get involved with and provided the design inspiration to make the space work for all users.

An important part of Bicycle SA’s advocacy work is showcasing the role that cycling plays in shaping a better city. So the Bike Hub will be a meeting place, an eating place, a talking place and a sharing place. And it’s not just for bike riders. From next week to the end of March the Bike Hub will be an activation point for the whole community and we’ll measure the number of users and visitors.

From 23 January to 31 March the Bike Hub will operate at Hindmarsh Square in the city, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Run by Bike SA, the Bike Hub offers:

• Free secure sheltered bike storage
  Free showers and toilets (separate male and female)
  Free cloakroom facilities, where you can leave your cycling clothes
  Free City Bike hire
  Free maps and other bike information
  Free air!
  Plus coffee, food stalls, deck chairs, visual art exhibitions, bike demos, skills training, an outdoor cinema and table tennis, plus much more!

Operating throughout the day, the Bike Hub is free to access for anyone working in the city. You don’t have to book or subscribe, it’s a flexible programme offered on a first come, first serve basis. You can use the service occasionally or every day.

Located on the south-west quadrant of Hindmarsh Square outside the RAA building the Bike Hub is ideally situated for many businesses in the city.

Please spread the word and encourage your work colleagues to make use of this unique facility. The Bike Hub is especially useful for people riding to work who don’t already have adequate end of trip facilities.

Over the coming weeks you’ll see the Bike Hub evolve into a bustling hub of not just cycling activity, but also cultural and artistic programming. During the festival season there will be artists and makers fashioning the Bike Hub into an attractive centre-piece, underscoring the need for cycling facilities in the city.

Bike SA is proud to lead this initiative and we encourage CBD workers to make use of the Bike Hub, demonstrating the long-term need for end of trip facilities for the growing number of commuting cyclists. The more often you and your colleagues use the Bike Hub over the next ten weeks, the more we can advocate for permanent facilities.

Information about using the Bike Hub will be at http://www.bikesa.asn.au and you can also contact Bike SA at [email protected] or phone 8168 9999.

If you would like to be part of the Bike Hub we welcome community, business and government organisations getting involved and being part of the discussion. Please contact [email protected].

[Ben]

For those that venture into the city regulary you probably have noticed the "Bean Bar coming soon" sign that has been adjacant the Trans Adelaide customer service centre on Currie Street. It has been there since I worked in the CBD 5 years ago!!!

Well looks like something is finally happening. I am surprised that this has been vacant so long. Such a prime location. I'm sure there is more to the story then we know.

Type: Development Application Received
Application Number: DA/49/2012
Lodgement Date: 24/01/2012
Location: Bean Bar, Ground 8 Currie Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Description: Internal and external alterations and use as cafe.

[dsriggs]

I'm stunned!