[APP] Re: Masonic Lodge | 183m | 37 Levels | Mixed Use
Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2024 5:19 pm
Story from API magazine. Haven’t heard about abseiling idea until now.
Adelaide’s newly approved tallest skyscraper set to be abseiling tourist attraction
The newly approved 183-metre Keystone Tower could set hearts jumping if the building's project managers get their way, and will be a centrepiece of a rapidly evolving Adelaide skyline and urban setting.
By Craig Francis
| 8-8-2024 | Development | 2 min read
Adelaide's imminent tallest skyscraper was a juggling act between modernity and heritage. (Image source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
Adelaide’s tallest skyscraper has been given the green light to ascend to the skies, as the owners look at ways visitors can descend via a thrilling abseiling attraction.
The 183-metre Keystone Tower on North Terrace had its development application submitted in January and had hoped to be approved by March, but despite delays to the approvals process it will now go ahead.
The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has cleared the way for construction to begin on the glass façade Keystone Tower that will feature a 238-room hotel under Marriot International’s Westin Hotels brand, as well as office space, a business lounge, function area, wellness centre and an observatory on the top levels.
Keystone Tower
Keystone Tower may make hearts jump (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The submission to SCAP was more than 700 pages long and will involve the adjoining Freemason’s heritage building being fully restored.
The Freemasons Hall Trust’s plan will transform this part of the city as what has been labelled Adelaide’s first genuine skyscraper. It will be 45 metres taller than the current title holder, the Crowne Plaza on Frome Street.
While it’s been an adrenaline-filled ride getting planning consent for Henry Davis, Adelaide City Councillor, Freemason and Project Director, the public may be the ones that will enjoy an enduring thrill.
“What we are seriously investigating is the ability to abseil down the side,” Mr Davis said.
“We want this to be a place for all South Australians to come and to look at this as a really important public building, and the idea that you can repel down the side and see Adelaide from every point of view is absolutely part of the product.”
The $400 million development that will be 37 storeys of mixed-use space is designed by Walter Brooke and Bara Consulting Group, in partnership with Melbourne-based Pelligra Group.
Detailed heritage agreements and conservation plans have been developed to protect the historical significance of the original 1927 Freemasons Hall building.
Article image
Render of the tower's planned interior. (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The tower will rise behind the masons’ heritage-listed Grand Lodge. The Great Hall will be demolished to make way for the glass-facade tower.
With the planning approval secured, the next steps include obtaining Building Consent, after which demolition of the rear hall and preservation work on the original structure will commence. It is hoped completion will come ahead of the original building’s centenary in 2027.
Adelaide’s newly approved tallest skyscraper set to be abseiling tourist attraction
The newly approved 183-metre Keystone Tower could set hearts jumping if the building's project managers get their way, and will be a centrepiece of a rapidly evolving Adelaide skyline and urban setting.
By Craig Francis
| 8-8-2024 | Development | 2 min read
Adelaide's imminent tallest skyscraper was a juggling act between modernity and heritage. (Image source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
Adelaide’s tallest skyscraper has been given the green light to ascend to the skies, as the owners look at ways visitors can descend via a thrilling abseiling attraction.
The 183-metre Keystone Tower on North Terrace had its development application submitted in January and had hoped to be approved by March, but despite delays to the approvals process it will now go ahead.
The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has cleared the way for construction to begin on the glass façade Keystone Tower that will feature a 238-room hotel under Marriot International’s Westin Hotels brand, as well as office space, a business lounge, function area, wellness centre and an observatory on the top levels.
Keystone Tower
Keystone Tower may make hearts jump (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The submission to SCAP was more than 700 pages long and will involve the adjoining Freemason’s heritage building being fully restored.
The Freemasons Hall Trust’s plan will transform this part of the city as what has been labelled Adelaide’s first genuine skyscraper. It will be 45 metres taller than the current title holder, the Crowne Plaza on Frome Street.
While it’s been an adrenaline-filled ride getting planning consent for Henry Davis, Adelaide City Councillor, Freemason and Project Director, the public may be the ones that will enjoy an enduring thrill.
“What we are seriously investigating is the ability to abseil down the side,” Mr Davis said.
“We want this to be a place for all South Australians to come and to look at this as a really important public building, and the idea that you can repel down the side and see Adelaide from every point of view is absolutely part of the product.”
The $400 million development that will be 37 storeys of mixed-use space is designed by Walter Brooke and Bara Consulting Group, in partnership with Melbourne-based Pelligra Group.
Detailed heritage agreements and conservation plans have been developed to protect the historical significance of the original 1927 Freemasons Hall building.
Article image
Render of the tower's planned interior. (source: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust)
The tower will rise behind the masons’ heritage-listed Grand Lodge. The Great Hall will be demolished to make way for the glass-facade tower.
With the planning approval secured, the next steps include obtaining Building Consent, after which demolition of the rear hall and preservation work on the original structure will commence. It is hoped completion will come ahead of the original building’s centenary in 2027.
