[CAN] [The Precinct] | 58m | 5 x 18lvls | Apartments

[Will]

The consortium has already been selected and it is Urban Construct and Multiplex.

There's still a few issues regarding one crash repairs business that is currently located on the site to be redeveloped, and this is holding up the development. The business claims that its concerns over relocation are being ignored by the council.

That's what i thought, but I suggest you read the last page of the Sunday Mail, so you can share my confusion.

[Pants]

The consortium has already been selected and it is Urban Construct and Multiplex.

There's still a few issues regarding one crash repairs business that is currently located on the site to be redeveloped, and this is holding up the development. The business claims that its concerns over relocation are being ignored by the council.

Nothing that a few rags, petrol filled bottles and a lighter can't fix.

[Algernon]

Word is they're just holding out for an unrealistic compensation payment.

They'll get paid what their land is worth, just give it time.

[UrbanSG]

Will I think Rex was referring to the bus terminal component of the development. I have seen numerous calls for tender by the council for the bus terminal building recently in the paper. They are forecasting construction of this section to start early 2006. Urban Construct and Multiplex are the chosen ones for the private part of the development, (the money making apartments).

[Pants]

Word is they're just holding out for an unrealistic compensation payment.

They'll get paid what their land is worth, just give it time.

I prefer my idea.

[Howie]

I've got very reliable word (right from the top) that, there will be some development opportunities for Central Market district (mainly the upper levels of CM itself where the carpark is) once the 600+ space carpark goes up across the road also.

Looks to be a mammoth project.

[UrbanSG]

Sounds interesting Howie. Definately an excellent area for developments there, especially apartments with the Central Market. This side of the city is definately going to be the heart of developments over the next decade or so.

[Howie]

Adelaide City Council are currently building a master plan which will integrate Central Markets/Arcade/Shopping/Chinatown. Once the new carpark goes up across the road, this will open up opportunities for the upper 2 carpark levels on Central Market itself to be developed.

[Will]

Although I would welcome the Central market carpark receiving a facelift, in particular the Grote St. facade, I am completely against tampering with the atmosphere of the market. Currently the market is Adelaide's number 1 tourist attraction and I would be horrified if it were ever transformed into an air-conditioned sterile American mall.

[Al]

Here's that article from the Advertiser. I thought it was originally going to be 5 x 19 levels towers? I reckon the development of the new bus station is awesome too in that it gives interstate people a much better perception of the city just like the new airport. The only other thing I wish they did was to run the trams to Port Adelaide and build a nice ship terminal there so people arriving by cruise liners can have a nice intro to Adelaide. This Balfours project is going to be BIG!

Promise of 2200 jobs in city site revamp
By LOUISE TRECCASI
08mar06

THE $500 million Balfours site and bus station transformation in the city finally has the go-ahead, amid promises it will create more than 2200 construction jobs.

The project's developers say the new jobs are expected to inject about $300 million into the city. The seven-year West Central project at the former Balfours site on the corner of Franklin and Morphett streets and the Franklin St Bus Station site is one of the CBD's largest developments.

An agreement has been signed between Adelaide City Council and development consortium Urban Construct and Multiplex Developments.

West Central will feature a new bus interchange, five 17-storey towers and housing for more than 2000 people in 1300 dwellings, 360 of these for student accommodation. The project also will feature retail space, public art, landscaping and a community building.

Stage one, to begin next month, will include the long-awaited $26 million "airport-style" bus interchange and 638 public car park places.

The project was designed by Woodhead International and Melbourne-based Denton Corker Marshall. Urban Construct director Todd Brown said West Central was a landmark project for the CBD.

"The West Central development will provide a significant new investment in the CBD, where we continue to see strong demand for apartment living and student accommodation," he said.

Multiplex Development director Bruce Rippin said the project would integrate bold new designs with existing heritage and environmental features and would provide a world-class bus interchange facility.

[Pikey]

The article doesn't make reference to the 5 Level podiums each tower sits on.

[Al]

The article doesn't make reference to the 5 Level podiums each tower sits on.

So it's going to be a 22 level equivalent?

[Pikey]

Effectively.

It's hard to explain, the 5 storey podium is a seperate entity, so the first apartment level for each tower, starts at a level 5 height, with 19 levels above that. If that makes sense. So basically, it's a 19 level building, the usual height of a 22.

Did I explain that correctly?

[Al]

Yes thanks for that. I reckon it should make quite an impact on the west side with 5 new towers, each around 50-60m. Awesome!

[Pants]

The article reminded me about Denton Corker Marshall's involvement.

They must've been very much in the background, because it's a pretty tame design for them.

Would have loved it if they put a bit more of their usual crazy shit in it. Great project still. Will have a huge impact on the city and spread the 'scraper love out nicely.