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

[ghs]

There must be plans for the casino coming through soon as well.

[Norman]

Probably around the time of the budget, they love handing out plans around that time.

[Wayno]

Probably around the time of the budget, they love handing out plans around that time.

When is the next state budget? July sometime?

[Xaragmata]

"It comes as Riverbank Authority chair Andrew McEvoy said that he would present two to three design options for the plaza to Cabinet within the three months."

This was early to mid March... Suppose they can't be too far off.

They are still finalising the design concept - then comes the final design, then a definitive review, followed by a final workshop - meaning it will be about 2 years since the 'community engagement' in 2013. It is definitely 'shuffle ready'.

Advancing the Riverbank Precinct

These responses, as well as Riverbank Authority’s place principles, will be used by an as yet-to-be-appointed design firm to finalise the Festival Plaza design. The concept will then undergo a definitive review by local artists, designers and landscape architects at a creative forum later this year before undergoing a final workshop attended by families from across South Australia.

http://dpti.sa.gov.au/newconnections/news/?a=165907

[Norman]

Probably around the time of the budget, they love handing out plans around that time.

When is the next state budget? July sometime?

I thought it would be this week coming but to be honest I have no idea.

[Smithy85]

99% sure the budget is 18th June.

[Patrick_27]

Plaza redevelopment won't happen until the first stage of the festival centre is complete. Planned so that there are alternative entrances on the north side of the centre during the plaza works.

[ghs]

PUBLIC viewing areas for major events with big-screen TVs and temperature-controlled outdoor spaces are among latest plans for the $610 million Adelaide Festival Plaza redevelopment, which is likely to start before Christmas.

Final design work being done for the landmark site includes creating a single-level plaza to replace the present multi-level area, creating a gateway to the Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval precinct.

It is understood Sydney property tycoon Lang Walker — who in March agreed to redevelop the area with the State Government — was in Adelaide last week to finalise technical issues and was satisfied with progress.

Building work on the 1560-space underground car park will start in as little as a month once final contracts are settled.

Next stages will involve the 11,800sq-m outdoor space, which will include creating a new Festival Centre entrance by closing over the plaza containing 4000sq-m for restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

The redevelopment also includes a premium office building of up to 24 stories on Station Rd, next to the Adelaide Casino, and a tunnel from the Oval footbridge to the train station.

Most of the project is expected to be completed within three years. It is expected to create more than 2500 construction jobs and a further 400 ongoing jobs.

Deputy Premier John Rau told the Sunday Mail the start of car park construction likely was “very, very close” and confirmed final Festival Plaza designs were being prepared.

“There’s work being done on it and I hope it’s fairly close to being in a position where I can take something to Cabinet for a final determination,” said Mr Rau, also the Urban Development Minister.

He said some engineering work — such as checking what might be underneath planned fountains — needed to be done before the rest of the development could start, most likely before Christmas.

Separate contingency plans being prepared to ensure the thousands of patrons attending Adelaide Oval weekly can move through the area freely involve erecting temporary escalators and other measures.

While Mr Rau stressed the precinct plans had not been finalised, sources close to the project have told the Sunday Mail they involve embracing the arts community by creating areas to display sculpture and other works.

It also is understood technology installed for the major event space will allow heating and cooling, along with the creation of more intimate areas at other times. Hanging gardens and water features are included in the designs, which also allow for more open access from every direction.

The designs are understood to significantly build upon the conceptual artists’ impressions released when the project was announced in mid-March.

The Government in March committed $180m to the Plaza redevelopment, while Walker Corporation committed $430m, including $40m towards the public works.

The government contribution included a $90m revamp of the Festival Centre.

Riverbank Authority chairman Andrew McEvoy declined to comment on the Plaza designs.

He told the Sunday Mail expressions of interest would be sought to redevelop a small parcel of land on the south-western side of the Morphett St bridge, now a car park.

He said the site represented a significant opportunity because it was close to Adelaide Oval, the Convention Centre, new Royal Adelaide Hospital and rail transport links.

[Norman]

Adelaide Festival plaza redevelopment plans revealed
THE State Government has drawn up contingency plans in case Adelaide Casino abandons its $350 million expansion, and options include a privately developed, multistorey building on the prime riverbank site.

The Advertiser can today reveal detailed plans for the $220 million overhaul of the Festival Plaza and surrounds which would create a seamless, single-level space from King William St to the casino that wraps around the Festival Centre.

The plans also include options that would replace the casino’s expansion, as the Government becomes increasingly frustrated that is yet to be signed off.

The main square would include a grassed area; be surrounded by trees and pergolas to provide shade; and equipped with technology to allow events and “pop-ups” to simply plug in.

An ice-skating rink, moonlight cinema, Spiegeltent and markets are among the uses the plans show could be easily accommodated, allowing the new square to rival Victoria Square as the city’s top events space.

More here, including photos: http://www.news.com.au/national/adelaid ... 7487627502

[Matt]

So, what exactly do we know that we didn't know before?!

[Jaymz]

I for one really hope that the Casino expansion does go ahead, it's the only exciting part of the plan
that I can see would draw people to the area. Otherwise, it will just be a place that people pass through
going to and from Adelaide Oval (like it is now). The rest really just seems like some trees
and new pavers.

[Alyx]

...including photos: http://www.news.com.au/national/adelaid ... 7487627502

Was I the only one to think 'how incredibly underwhelming'?

[Matt]

Difficult to comment without seeing the rest of the plans, but the renders attached are incredibly underwhelming.

The first wave of concept plans seem a lot more advanced than this lot.

[Patrick_27]

That's it, I'm done.

Whilst I like (for the most part) SkyCity as a brand and how they've gone about their business in Adelaide, the fact that the government still haven't secured their commitment for the expansion is damn joke.

The Walker tower is way too tall for the area, I don't care what anyone says about how this city "needs height" or "needs a sleek, new tallest to show this city's progress" that tower is going to be built in a poorly chosen area, and with height that will cast a shadow over Parliament House. In a city with a buttload of prime real estate begging for those kinds of building proposals, I fail to see how cramping more into this already cluttered area is going to do any good.

About the only two things I genuinely liked about this proposal is the significant inclusion of greenery (though, if they dare plant Plane trees along the KWS edge because it's the "cheaper option", I’ll flip) and the northern entrance to the Festival Theatre.

The plaza itself looks dull, the concept for southern entrance to the Festival Theatre will fail, and the stair-case running between the main theatre and the Dustan Playhouse will do exactly what the government didn't want the footbridge to do... Divide the Festival Centre. And, what the hell is with this city and it's 'water play features'? There's more to entertaining children than a water feature which will only get run through in the Summer months, and quite frankly if you're trying to make an area look clean and sophisticated... A water feature isn't really going to cut it...

With what's on the table at this point, I'd rather keep things simple and hand the plaza back to the Festival Centre for them to build a new carpark and a concert hall with some cafes and restaurants amongst it all. Tidies the area up for those walking past during the footy and doesn't pose the risk of becoming a white elephant. Perhaps then the government can focus on pre-existing public spaces such as Victoria Square which could be doing a lot more for the general public...

And in-case anyone was wondering... Yes, I think I did wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

[Kasey771]

Difficult to comment without seeing the rest of the plans, but the renders attached are incredibly underwhelming.

The first wave of concept plans seem a lot more advanced than this lot.

I find myself agreeing, but I first ask, does it improve what's there right now? It seems to, but yes, perhaps I'm being greedy, it could have been 'more' I dont want to get into the "desperate gf" mindset of anything will do, but even with the casino contribution not yet announced, I imagine this as a strong and vibrant area on a winter's day before a Showdown at the Oval and it seems to cater for that and provide for 'pop-ups' to populate the area and attract people to the area for the lead up to the game for example.