Fortis, Otello Tower Greenlit for Adelaide’s Hutt Street

Developers Fortis and Otello have won approval to build a 10-storey apartment tower in the Adelaide CBD after a fiery debate over the future of the area.

A man was taken from the gallery of a City of Adelaide’s council meeting during debate over the upgrade to Hutt Street in the south-east of the CBD.

He yelled from the gallery that he wanted “a sand track to ride a horse down the street” and was promptly removed by security during the meeting on December 9.

The council endorsed a revised concept for the Hutt Street revitalisation project a day before the State Commission Assessment Panel greenlit the plans from Fortis and Otello.

Fortis, the development arm of Pallas Group, is partnering with Adelaide boutique developer Otello to build a 40-apartment shoptop tower at 134-144 Hutt Street at the corner with Allen Place.

It is a block north of the renewal project and at a central point of the tree-lined street of red brick pavers and Colonial-era stone buildings.

▲ Hutt Street in the Adelaide CBD will be upgraded during the next few years.

Fortis and Otello paid $6.02 million in April for the 1241sq m site that is home to a petrol station turned bike shop and cafe.

The DKO-designed scheme includes two basement levels, a two-storey podium and a 35m residential tower atop. 

The planning commission had been expected to decide on the project at its November 12 meeting but that decision was deferred due to a fire alarm as well as requests for more information. 

Fortis and Otello have two years to begin work on the project, which will likely become an indicator of future density expected along the street. 

▲ Renderings and a plan of the 134-144 Hutt Street, Adelaide project.

Meanwhile, construction on the upgrades to Hutt Street is expected to start in early 2027 after the release of detailed designs, marking the end of a decade-long debate.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the project would create a safer and greener space. 

“It has been somewhat of a journey to arrive here but the reality is that with essential works due on Hutt Street, now is our opportunity to integrate renewal needs with the broader streetscape upgrade,” Lomax-Smith said.

“The option we have settled on for Hutt Street ensures it is equitable for all users whether they ride, work or drive.”