Take two for controversial Greenhill Road tower
The Australian Education Union SA branch has submitted revised plans for a development at its Greenhill Road headquarters, saying the new proposal has “significantly evolved” and addresses concerns raised by nearby residents about the original design.
The revised plans are for a proposed development at its existing headquarters on 163A-164 Greenhill Road and 3 Porter Street, Parkside.
The mixed-use residential and commercial development would include two connected buildings of 10- and eight-storeys with 202 “build to rent” apartments and office space for the AEU.
The proposed 10-storey height exceeds the area’s zoning, which sets a maximum height of 25.5 metres and seven levels.
However, the development is classed as a “significant development site” as it is on an allotment greater than 5000 square metres, meaning it is granted a 30 per cent “bonus” height under the planning code.
The AEU’s brutalist-style buildings on Greenhill Road would be demolished for the proposed development. Photo: ekistics planning report
The plan features a large lobby area on the ground floor, co-working spaces, a common room and pool area, a gymnasium, meeting areas, recreation rooms, a dog wash and a roof terrace.
The new plans would include less permanent parking than the original proposal with 192 spaces, as well as 111 spaces for bikes. There would also be four additional spaces for short-term parking and 10 additional bike spaces adjacent to the AEU’s office.
All the buildings on the site would be demolished except the 1930s Meaghey House, which is a Local Heritage Place and would be retained as office space.
The proposal would require the removal of four significant trees and 11 regulated trees, with one spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) to be preserved.
The new landscaping would mainly feature native and endemic species, which according to the planning report “considers the storytelling of pre-European landscapes and their tension with European Heritage…”
The AEU originally lodged plans for a development on the site in April 2023, that included twin nine- and 11-storey towers with 232 “build to rent” apartments and office space for the AEU.
This proposal was knocked back by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) – the state’s independent planning body – in September 2023.
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SCAP sided with residents over concerns about the building’s height and “unreasonable overshadowing”, among other issues including insufficient parking space.
The AEU challenged SCAP’s decision in court, with InDaily revealing in December 2023 that a secret compromise had been reached between the two parties.
However, the original proposal is still subject to court proceedings brought by nearby residents.
The original proposal would feature two towers of 9- and 11-storeys. Photo: nettletontribe architects
A planning report prepared by urban planner Ekistics said the new development has “significantly evolved throughout the early pre-lodgement and Design and Review process, taking into consideration feedback received, resulting in a reduction in building height, increased setbacks and refinement of the elevations to better respond to the locality context and Local Heritage Place”.
AEU SA did not directly respond to questions from InDaily about the application, however, state president Jennie-Marie Gorman said that South Australia is currently facing a housing and teaching crisis, which the proposed development hopes to address.
“For local schools to be able to hire teachers in their areas, housing solutions must be available,” she said in a statement.
“We believe this application provides a solution for essential workers, whilst also providing a much-needed upgrade to the Union’s facilities, so we can endeavour to support our staff and wider school community to the best of our ability.
“The Union will continue to work with the council on these plans until an agreement can be reached.”
The development is currently open for consultation on the PlanSA website until February 18.