Walker Tower

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS ().8 February 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): The Minister for Housing and Urban Development has advised:

1. The $213 million works by the state government to deliver upgrades to the Festival Plaza Public Realm and the Adelaide Festival Centre's façade and lobbies have been completed.

Recently, the state government announced a further $35 million to upgrade the Adelaide Festival Centre fire system and the northern promenade.

These works do not fall within the private development area.

2. Since May 2021 Walker Corporation has been paying council rates to the City of Adelaide, related to their portion of the Festival Car Park.

This is consistent with other private entities in the Adelaide Riverbank Entertainment Precinct.

Furthermore, Walker Corporation is obligated, under the One Festival Tower lease, to pay council rates or local government rate equivalent to the state. The rates are payable from completion of the building.

3. Any development on this site will be subject to the statutory development approval process, which will assess the design and architectural merit and compliance, against the planning policy framework.