A proposed 11-storey apartment tower in Adelaide has hit a planning hurdle, with a decision on the proposal deferred. The site, located at 77 South Terrace, sits adjacent to a previously approved 10-storey tower owned by developer Ormond Nominees. That neighboring building received its approval in 2024, establishing a small cluster of high-rise residential projects in the area.
The latest tower, directed by Randell Dixon, was recommended for approval ahead of a City of Adelaide assessment panel on September 28. The panel, responsible for reviewing major developments, chose to postpone its decision. It requested a detailed wind analysis, confirmation that access and egress routes meet safety standards, and clarification of waste-management strategies before moving forward.
Project Details
Plans for the tower, drafted by LOOka Design, include one three-bedroom apartment on each floor. Levels 1 and 2 will instead house a car-stacking system and a parkland-facing one-bedroom unit. The design also allocates space for 22 parking spots and 12 bicycle racks, supporting residents who drive or cycle.
Each three-bedroom dwelling will feature a large study, four bathrooms, a separate laundry area, and two private balconies. At the roof, a communal terrace will be installed. The terrace will contain a water feature, plant equipment, and mechanical services, offering shared outdoor space for occupants.
Development Merit
A report prepared for Ormond by Simon Grose of Advantage Planning stated that the development demonstrates merit in its design, scale, and proportions. Grose highlighted that the proposed height aligns with other existing buildings along South Terrace and is lower than several recently approved structures nearby.
The Urban Developer attempted to contact Ormond for comment via Grose. Ormond’s approved 10-storey tower at 75-76 South Terrace will contain five three-bedroom apartments and ten two-bedroom apartments, providing a mix of unit sizes within the same block.
The Ormond proposals would add to the 28 cranes currently operating in metropolitan Adelaide. Data from global construction firm RLB indicated that residential projects accounted for the majority of crane activity in the metro area during the third quarter of this year.
Construction activity in South Australia rose 15 per cent in the 2025-26 financial year, marking the strongest growth among all Australian states and territories. Engineering construction in the state grew by 21.2 per cent, while non-residential work increased by 15.5 per cent. Residential activity also saw an uplift of 5.8 per cent during the same period, showing a robust building sector.