Sensational-Adelaide.com

Looks like this is on hold for a bit

S10/4/2018/B
19/01/2021
141-159 King William Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Vary previous authorisation works affecting the State Heritage GPO building, being for the construction of a hotel - 16 levels above the ground (incorporating the construction of a 13 level tower above the existing GPO building and including two levels of enclosed plans); the adaptive reuse of the GPO building for a mix of retail and ancillary hotel uses; demolition of the five storey offices to the north of the GPO building; and an infill building over a porte-cochere - VARIATION - Variation to DA 020/A004/18 (V2) - to vary staging of original approval and extend development timeframe. Stage 1 - hotel and adaption of the NE portion of the GPO Building with a 2 year extension to commencement of these works and 5 year completion. Minor variations to building works. Stage 2 - State heritage building and its adaptive reuse for ancillary hotel uses and potential deferral until economic conditions improve (post operation of the hotel - Stage 1)

Makes sense given the current conditions. At least the new central plaza is looking better, with Arbour Lane and the new shops popping up in the middle. The new bar is quite popular for after work drinks.

It'll be a shame if the GPO stands vacant for years. Hopefully they have a mind to activate it, perhaps through rotating tenancies with Renew Adelaide.

Watpac and Marriot signage has gone up all around the site.

Is that a bit odd? Mid Jan they apply for a lengthy delay, and then a month later they appear to be about to start?

I agree. Was the extension ever approved? I am pretty sure I read that some councillors were opposed to granting it. Anyone know more?

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Ben wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:51 pm

Watpac and Marriot signage has gone up all around the site.

Picture of fencing and signage around the site. There is also fencing blocking off Arbor Lane (next to Electra House) with same signage.

Neko Neko Peko Peko wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:36 pm

[

Ben wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:51 pm

Watpac and Marriot signage has gone up all around the site.

Picture of fencing and signage around the site. There is also fencing blocking off Arbor Lane (next to Electra House) with same signage.

It could be possible that they're undertaking restoration works and repurposing the building for the short term so that it doesn't sit dormant for however long they intend to delay the primary development. This might have been something encouraged or suggested by planning.

Neko Neko Peko Peko wrote:[

Ben wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:51 pm

Watpac and Marriot signage has gone up all around the site.

Picture of fencing and signage around the site. There is also fencing blocking off Arbor Lane (next to Electra House) with same signage.

Had a look around Arbor Lane to King William Street and nothing happening around the new fencing, which you can still just walk past.





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Patrick_27 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:59 pm

Neko Neko Peko Peko wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:36 pm

[

Ben wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:51 pm

Watpac and Marriot signage has gone up all around the site.

Picture of fencing and signage around the site. There is also fencing blocking off Arbor Lane (next to Electra House) with same signage.

It could be possible that they're undertaking restoration works and repurposing the building for the short term so that it doesn't sit dormant for however long they intend to delay the primary development. This might have been something encouraged or suggested by planning.

Bit odd to be putting up scrim signage that includes the hotel tenant for that?

Wondering if the development approval isn’t extended (as requested) they may need to start work by a certain deadline or the approval may lapse altogether?

Despite the COVID challenges to tourism, Adelaide is still underserved by the big international hotel chains. I wonder if part of their calculation is to get ahead of the proposals by competitors Hyatt Regency and Wyndham.

From my building admin:

Good afternoon all,

We have received an update from building management confirming that the GPO Hotel development will be commencing soon.

Summary:
 GPO Westin Hotel will be 15 storeys high
 Besix Watpac will be undertaking works with an expected construction delivery frame of 27 months
 Installation of a 3m high acoustic fence / wall on the project site side to minimise any dust and noise and also provide both a physical barrier and security to the construction site.
 Large 35 tonne excavator and various machinery will be used to demolish the 1920 section of the building
 During soft demolition – approx.. 2 months - Truck movements into the site will be via King William St and exit out Exchange Place / Franklin St (lane way between the site and BHP building)
 Electric Luffing Tower crane installed inside of basement excavated area in Telegraph Lane area (between Eleven and Electra House)
 No lifting will ever occur over any neighbouring building or public space (unless protected e.g. King William St covered pedestrian walkways)


For anyone interested, here’s what is proposed > https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au ... 1530683050

Great update - thanks HeapsGood.


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Yeah great update thanks mate.

This development isn’t so much that it’s ugly more that a lot more could be done in this area.
The new BHP building next door did turn out slightly better than expected so I hope this has a high quality finish and ends the same.