Adelaide is poised for a dramatic change to its skyline as the State Commission Assessment Panel has approved the construction of the Keystone Tower, set to become the city's tallest building. The 183-meter, 37-storey structure is a joint venture between prominent developer Pelligra and the South Australian Freemasons.
The ambitious project will be located at 245 North Terrace, rising behind the Freemasons' heritage-listed Grand Lodge. To accommodate the new glass-facade tower, the Great Hall will be demolished, though measures have been put in place to preserve its memory. The panel has mandated comprehensive documentation of the Hall, including drawings, photographs, and 3D scans, before its removal.
Keystone Tower will introduce several firsts to Adelaide:
- The city's inaugural Westin Hotel, a Marriott International brand, featuring 236 rooms
- A three-level observatory offering panoramic views of the city
- A wellness retreat, business lounge, and function areas
The development will also house office spaces and dedicate five levels to the Adelaide Museum of South Australia's History, in partnership with the History Trust of South Australia. The Freemasons will continue to utilize the existing lodge.
Michael Baragwanath, lead consultant for the Keystone Tower project, expressed enthusiasm about the development's potential impact. "This project promises not only to enhance Adelaide's urban landscape but also to set a precedent for future developments in terms of pushing the envelope," he stated.
The approved height of 183 meters represents an increase from the initial proposal of 160 meters, which Pelligra successfully lobbied for in April. Upon completion, Keystone Tower will stand 45 meters taller than the current record holder, Crowne Plaza on Frome Street.
While the State Commission Assessment Panel has given its approval, deeming the project "not seriously at variance" with the planning code, the development still requires clearance from Commonwealth air authorities due to its height. However, Adelaide Airport has not raised any objections to the project.
This landmark development is set to redefine Adelaide's skyline and potentially spark a new era of architectural ambition in the South Australian capital.
LEARN MORE
