South Australia
Place: North Adelaide
Threat: Demolition and Inappropriate Redevelopment

Significance of Place
North Adelaide is a distinctive area of substantial cultural significance which still retains its original street layout and parkland boundaries, as designed by William Light. The full sweep of 19 century buildings are represented within North Adelaide, with some 140 individual buildings listed for their architectural significance.

Description of Threat
The distinctive heritage and character of North Adelaide are under greater threat today than they were in 2003. Major economic changes in recent years have found North Adelaide coming under considerable development pressure with many places being converted, demolished or compromised such that the heritage character of the whole area is under genuine threat. In addressing the concerns of the National Trust, and those expressed by a highly vocal and increasing number of South Australians at the Adelaide City Council’s lack of attention to these concerns, a heritage survey was commissioned giving heart to the growing numbers of concerned citizens.

The recommendations of the resulting report have been largely ignored by the Adelaide City Council, effectively making North Adelaide a developer’s dream. In a city proud of its special architectural and spatial qualities, Adelaide City leaders have let the broader community down. Early in 2004 the NTSA led Demolition Tours of North Adelaide with bus tours selling out, such was the public outcry.

Action Required
The SA Heritage Authority has asked for North Adelaide to be declared an Historic Conservation Zone as has the NTSA, and indeed, so too have South Australia ’s most notable heritage advisors and consultants. The Adelaide City Council, through its lack of leadership, has placed North Adelaide at heightened risk.

The National Trust has been committed to seeing the unique character and historic significance of North Adelaide recognised and fully protected. NTSA believes North Adelaide warrants special consideration, and that it should be declared an Historic Conservation Zone, by the preparation of a Plan Amendment Report by the Minister or by the Adelaide City Council under

the Development Act. This would have the effect of requiring developments to maintain or enhance the historic character of the area.

The National Trust also seeks a moratorium on all demolitions in North Adelaide until the process of establishing North Adelaide as a Historic Conservation Zone is complete.