ResidentialHudson FarrFri 18 Sep 26
Leyton’s North Adelaide Scheme Passes Six-Storey Heritage Test
Leyton Property has secured approval for what will become the tallest building on the northern side of a popular strip at North Adelaide.
The developer’s six-storey scheme will rse on its site at 74–80 Melbourne Street, about 2km north-east of the Adelaide CBD.
The approval follows an extended assessment process, including an appeal to the Environment, Resources and Development Court for one of the more closely watched infill proposals in the SA capital’s inner-north.
The 500sq m site is home to a single-level retail strip of five tenancies with on-site car parking. They will be demolished to make way for the Leyton project, which will reach 22m and comprises 19 apartments—three of one bedroom, nine of two, six of three and a single four-bedroom home.
A ground-floor retail component is also included, as well as parking for 20 cars.
The project is slated to complete in mid-2029.
The site is next to St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, built in 1882 and added to the state heritage register in 1986, while the adjoining church hall was completed in 1894 and listed in 2002.
Heritage SA sought design changes to the Leyton building’s mass, eastern elevation and setbacks from St Cyprian’s, and the applicant incorporated them.
Architecture firm SMFA argued the potential loss of heritage significance was limited, noting no listed places would be demolished or altered, and that the prominence of the church, the traditional street-level rhythm and the material language of the area would be maintained.
Heritage consultant Sandy Wilkinson said North Adelaide’s heritage buildings were central to the area’s character and appeal, and that new development should sit behind a two-storey podium with a substantial setback above it.
Leyton Property said the approved project was designed to respond to the evolving character of Melbourne Street while contributing to one of Adelaide’s most established inner-city precincts.
“Following an extensive planning process, including an ERD appeal, we’re pleased to have achieved an outcome that will allow us to bring this considered project forward,” the developer said.
The approval arrives as Melbourne Street wins renewed capital attention, with the precinct’s main street zoning and City of Adelaide masterplan including the 1.3km retail strip.
North Adelaide is experiencing a burst of apartment development, with three projects advertised within a week last month.
The activity reflects renewed demand for higher-end housing in the historic suburb, which was planned by Colonel William Light alongside Adelaide’s CBD in the 1830s.
Among the projects is a Fortis and Otello development at 185–189 Archer Street, adding to the pipeline of new apartment schemes emerging across the suburb.
