Skyline Shift: Billions Invested in Adelaide Over Four Months

More than $1.4 billion worth of development has been approved in Adelaide since June, fuelling growth in education, housing and the local economy.

The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has approved Festival Tower Two ($600 million), 88 North Terrace ($400 million), 60 Pulteney Street ($100 million), 100 Rundle Mall ($260 million) and 82-85 Currie Street ($70 million).

The developments span mostly across purpose-built student accommodation and commercial office space, with some incorporating hospitality and retail.

The Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) plays a key role in supporting investment in the city by providing data and insights, business engagement services and assistance with planning and regulatory processes.

It also helps with market intelligence, facilitating connections and matching with key industry and stakeholder groups.

The 33-storey 88 North Terrace development was given the green light in July and will be the city’s largest, purpose-built student accommodation building.

It will have 1002 rooms, a cinema, gym, yoga studio, café, study areas and more.

The tower, delivered by 1835 Property and Marlborough Capital, will rise from the current car park site at the rear of Adelaide’s oldest church, Trinity Church.

Construction is slated to begin in January 2026, with completion expected by April 2028.

1835 Property Managing Director Jason Di Iulio says the project, which will be just steps from the new Adelaide University, will become a “buzzing hub” of student life.

“The development will not only create a vibrant student living precinct, but it will also deliver an enduring economic asset that strengthens the City of Adelaide’s education economy and urban fabric,” Mr Di Iulio says.

“The project will also breathe new life into the wider site, delivering major heritage upgrades and new ministry and administration spaces for Trinity Church.

“We are excited to deliver this opportunity for the Church to restore and reimagine a place of deep significance, while stepping confidently into Adelaide’s future.”

Learn more about Major Developments 

In June, the Walker Corporation was given approval to build a 38-storey skyscraper behind Parliament House.

The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) granted planning consent for a 160-metre-tall building in the Festival Plaza precinct, which includes office space, shops and restaurants.

The tower will become Adelaide’s tallest commercial building and will accommodate around 5,000 office workers. It will stand alongside the 29-storey Festival Tower One office space, which opened in 2024.

According to the State Government, it will be the most sustainable office building in South Australia. It will be all electric and have the largest solar array in the city.

The tower will become the first building in Adelaide to receive a six-star energy rating under the National Australian Built Environment Rating System and should be carbon neutral by about 2028.

The project is slated for completion in the 2027/28 financial year and is expected to drive more than $1 billion in economic activity annually.

The 35-storey development at 60 Pulteney Street is set to be built by a consortium known as Pulteney Street Student Accommodation Pty Ltd, and will operate under its student-focused brand, WRAP Student Living.

The name is an acronym for work, rest and play.

The development, which will tower above Hindmarsh Square, will have 488 beds across 405 individual and shared accommodation apartments, ground floor retail outlets, a café, a mezzanine space, student library and meeting spaces.

It replaces the Hindmarsh Square building, often referred to as The Block, that currently houses a record store, wine bar and café.

It is located next to the Pullman Hotel.

A 33-storey student accommodation tower will replace the historic Duke of York Hotel which, as of September 2025, is still a working pub. 

The site at 82–86 Currie Street, to be known as The Duke, is a local heritage-listed pub built in 1857.

The rear extension and beer garden of the hotel will be demolished to make way for the new tower.

The Duke will include 570 rooms and communal spaces for students such as kitchens, laundry facilities, a gym and media rooms. Its heritage facade will be retained.

It is being developed by TAL GP Projects. 

Part of Adelaide's David Jones department store will be demolished to make way for a 31-storey commercial tower.

The development, given approval in September 2025, will rise at the rear of 100 Rundle Mall, with the northern portion of the Adelaide Central Plaza set to be razed to accommodate the building. It will face 210 North Terrace.

It will include 2,736sq m in retail space, 2,013sq m in food and beverage offerings, and commercial office tenancies totalling at 33,900sq m. 

Find out more about major developments in Adelaide.