South Australian real estate titan dies aged 100
A pioneer of the South Australian real estate sector who was influential in the development of Glenelg and many suburban shopping centres passed away peacefully last weekend.
Noel Taplin, a figurehead of South Australian real estate, passed away peacefully on Sunday aged 100.
Noel was instrumental in the growth of Taplin Real Estate – a firm founded by his father Wilfrid in 1932.
He grew the business to become one of SA’s largest, family-owned real estate and development companies and in 1958 – against strong opposition from his father – founded investment and development firm Realty Holdings Ltd which later became the now-parent company, Taplin Group.
Noel is survived by a large family including six children and a stepdaughter, 18 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
He also leaves behind a legacy in the South Australian business and real estate landscape.
Noel was born in 1924 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II as an 18-year-old. His values and approach to life were informed by his early years in which he lived through recessions and the depression.
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As a 24-year-old, he took on the role of manager at his father’s real estate business which was formed in the depths of the depression.
18 years later, he formed Realty Holdings which diversified the company into the development of walk-up flats and single storey units.
The company soon expanded into apartment buildings, predominantly around Glenelg, including Moorings, Waterfront, The Edge and The Promenade.
Shopping centres were another interest for Noel’s Realty Holdings Ltd, including the construction of Mitcham Shopping Centre, which began as merely a collection of five shops.
A young Noel Taplin. Photo: Supplied
These days, Taplin is one of SA’s largest developers, owners and managers of community shopping centres including Mitcham Square, Marden Shopping Centre, Bayside Village, Mawson Lakes Shopping Centre and Marryatville Shopping Centre.
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Noel’s other achievements include becoming a Life Member at the Real Estate Industry of South Australia (REISA), growing and managing an asset portfolio of more than $2.7 billion and expanding the family business into equities from water through to farming in SA.
He also holds the record for being the longest-standing member at the Glenelg Golf Course.
Taplin Group chair and Noel’s son Andrew Taplin said his father was “passionate about South Australia and retaining investment in the state”.
“He wanted to be a big fish in a small pond to have a genuine impact and to touch, feel and fully understand the market you’re operating in,” Andrew said.
“He was simply a great man, so humble, consistent and balanced in his approach. Nothing phased him and it showed. At the time of his retirement, he was still a director of 55 companies. While his body faltered, his mind was still razor sharp.
“It was only 10 years ago that he stepped down as Chair and remained as Deputy Chair until late 2023. This is now the role of his grandson, Tom, so it was exciting for him to not only witness but guide the next generation.”
Andrew, Noel and Tom Taplin. Photo: Supplied
Andrew said the business was stronger than ever, and will soon open The George Glenelg – a $50 million hotel and retail development on Colley Terrace and Jetty Road, overlooking Glenelg beach.
The new site represents a full circle moment for the company as it is where Wilfrid’s first office was and where Taplin Real Estate operated from for its first 30 years in business.
Further, residential developments continue with a 100-house development at Findon about to finish construction and a 114-home development in Albert Park in the pipeline.
“We will certainly miss our wise, generous, passionate, caring, considered and smart friend and father, great grandfather and great-great-grandfather,” Andrew said.
“He was one incredible man.”
