Student AccommodationChris ThomsonWed 27 May 26
Journal Books a Date with State as Adelaide PBSA Endorsed
A 21-storey student housing tower has been endorsed for an Adelaide CBD site marketed 18 months ago by its state government vendor as a potential location for South Australia’s tallest building.
SA’s State Commission Assessment Panel is due on May 27 to consider a recommendation of approval for PBSA specialist Journal’s tower (pictured above), which is planned to overlook Adelaide University from the corner of North Terrace and Frome Street.
A report to the panel by Department of Housing and Urban Development senior planner Hugh Wang said the 1028-bed tower exceeded the site’s maximum building height by 21.25m but “demonstrates a high-quality design outcome”.
“The development adopts a podium and tower form that responds to the evolving high-rise context of North Terrace, provides active frontages and a publicly accessible plaza and integrates with the surrounding public realm,” Wang’s report, which recommends approval, said.
If approved, the tower, designed by Cox Architecture, would occupy a 2750sq m plot that Journal bought from the state for $26.29-million earlier this year.
In November 2024, the government launched its marketing for the site by spruiking it as a potential future location for Adelaide’s tallest building.
At 21 storeys, Journal’s development will fall well short of that lofty ambition, with the 36-storey Frome Central Tower One nearby and the under-construction Market Square recently topping out at 40 storeys.
Journal’s land is devoid of vegetation and is vacant, with previous buildings having been demolished.
The tower would have no car bays, but there would be space for 101 bicycles and the Botanic Gardens tram stop is 75m away.
The ground floor would be accessible to the public and have two commercial tenancies.
A mezzanine level would have study areas and Level 1 a communal kitchen, dining areas, gymnasium, communcal laundry, landscaped terrace and lounge, games and cinema rooms.
If approved, the tower would need to be substantially commenced within two years and completed in three years.
Journal—a partnership between Citiplan Property and global asset manager Brookfield Management—declined to comment ahead of the assessment panel meeting.
