RAH redevelopment should serve as a symbol of modern Adelaide

The Urban Development Institute of Australia has welcomed the State Government’s decision to call for expressions of interest from developers to transform the Royal Adelaide Hospital site.

The UDIA (SA), the state’s peak representative body for the urban development industry, says the site represents one of the most significant development opportunities ever seen in South Australia.

“This is a site of major significance within the broader North Terrace and Riverbank precinct of Adelaide,” said Terry Walsh, UDIA (SA) Executive Director.

“As a state we need to get this right, so all of the work to date – including bids by entrants in the recent international design competition that drew so much public attention – must be considered when determining how the site is developed.

“We now want firm plans and related budgets to ensure the redevelopment can begin as soon as possible.

“The site not only must provide functionality, but also be visually appealing to allow it to stand as a long-term symbol of Adelaide’s growth and enterprise. It also needs to serve as a catalyst for neighbouring sites, including the East End of Rundle Street.

“As for the retention of heritage buildings, this is always debatable so their retention or otherwise should be subject to close scrutiny in respect of their contribution to the main objectives of this site redevelopment.”

The UDIA says it looks forward to working closely with Renewal SA in assisting the redevelopment of this prime site.

Established in 1971, the UDIA (SA) represents the interests of the development industry in South Australia in collaboration with all levels of government. It represents all sections of the urban development sector, including developers, councils and service providers such as engineers, planners and surveyors. As the fifth largest contributor to output in SA, the property development industry employs 56,000 people or 7% of the State’s total workforce, and accounts for almost $9 billion or 12% of Gross State Product.

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Please contact UDIA (SA) Executive Director Terry Walsh on 0408 704 790