SkyCity has been given the green light for its $300 million proposed Adelaide Casino redevelopment on North Terrace, including an 80-room luxury hotel overlooking the Torrens River. The Development Assessment Commission — the state’s independent planning body — met on Thursday and approved the development with some conditions relating to the parts of the proposal, such as the atrium and canopy, close to the heritage-listed Adelaide Railway Station.
The State Heritage Unit had raised concerns about the building’s size and scale would negatively impact on the railway station and the Festival Centre.
The expansion includes an 11-storey building with a luxury 80-room hotel overlooking the River Torrens, high-end gaming rooms and restaurants.
The casino expansion is part of a broader rejuvenation of the Riverbank Precinct, which also includes the $610 million Festival Plaza redevelopment.
SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison welcomed the expansion’s approval and said it would create much-needed jobs in SA. Housing and Urban Development Minister Stephen Mullighan confirmed the project would create hundreds of jobs.
“SkyCity anticipates about 500 people to be employed on this project during construction with another 1000 people expected to be employed on an ongoing basis once it is complete,” Mullighan said.
“This development promises to be one of the jewels in Adelaide’s crown, boasting signature restaurants, and new VIP gaming experiences.”
A company spokesman said he expected construction to start mid year but the date would depend on the finalisation of the site lease with the State Government and co-ordination with the other developments in the Riverbank Precinct.
A $200 million high-rise development on North Tce, which would include demolishing the HQ nightclub, was also approved by the Commission.
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Author's Note: This article originally appeared in the Herald Sun.