Student AccommodationChris ThomsonWed 27 May 26
Journal’s PBSA Approved Across Terrace from Adelaide University
A 21-storey student housing tower has been approved for an Adelaide CBD site marketed 18 months ago by the state government as a potential location for South Australia’s tallest building.
Last week, SA’s State Commission Assessment Panel approved PBSA specialist Journal Student Living’s tower (pictured above), which is planned to overlook Adelaide University from the corner of North Terrace and Frome Street.
A report to the panel by Department of Housing and Urban Development senior planner Hugh Wang said the 1028-bed tower exceeded the site’s maximum building height by 21.25m but demonstrated “a high-quality design outcome”.
“The development adopts a podium and tower form that responds to the evolving high-rise context of North Terrace, provides active frontages and a publicly accessible plaza and integrates with the surrounding public realm,” Wang’s report, which recommended approval, said.
If built as approved, the tower, designed by Cox Architecture, will occupy a 2750sq m plot that Journal bought from the state for $26.29 million earlier this year.
In November 2024, the government launched its marketing for the site by spruiking it as a potential future location for Adelaide’s tallest building.
At 21 storeys, Journal’s development will fall well short of that lofty ambition, with the 36-storey Frome Central Tower One nearby and the under-construction Market Square recently topping out at 40 storeys.
The land is currently vacant, with previous buildings having been demolished.
The tower would have no car bays, but there would be space for 101 bicycles and the Botanic Gardens tram stop is 75m away.
The ground floor is planned to be accessible to the public and have two commercial tenancies.
A mezzanine level would have study areas and Level 1 a communal kitchen, dining areas, gymnasium, communal laundry, landscaped terrace and lounge, games and cinema rooms.
The approval is conditional on the tower being substantially commenced within two years and completed in three years.
Journal is a partnership between Citiplan Property and global asset manager Brookfield Asset Management, after the latter acquired a 50 per cent stake in the platform in 2024.
