Port Adelaide’s Customs House historic precinct is set to undergo bold and innovative development that will transform the locale into the beating heart of the Port and a world-class attraction for locals and tourists alike.
One SMG Property Developer Hans Ehmann’s plans to revive the unique heritage of Port Adelaide with the adaptive reuse of heritage infrastructure including Customs House, the Telegraph Office, Institute Building, and Waterworks offices on the city block which is bordered by Commercial Road, Nile Street, Robe Street and North Parade.
The project will open up the precincts to the public and create a vibrant place for the community to enjoy. The new hub will include function, studio and gallery spaces, retail, indoor and alfresco dining, a brauhaus and social amenities complemented by sunny open spaces, street furniture and landscaped green areas.
Revitalisation of the heritage infrastructure will be achieved through meticulous restoration to reinstate and conserve the original fabric of the buildings whilst the site will recognise the rich history of the area and the Port’s important maritime history.
The existing buildings on Commercial Road are among the most historically significant in South Australia and will be reinstated to their original configuration opening up access to the area’s core by removing recent structures to return to a site design that reflects the precinct when it was first established in the late 1880s.
“The masterplan unlocks a long dormant area which buzzed with life in the Port’s heyday and will make it the beating heart of the Port once more with a world-class heritage plaza at its centre,” stated Mr. Ehmann.
“The design is very welcoming and invites visitor access through a variety of entry points created by removing later additions to recreate an attractive public realm. It will become one of South Australia’s ‘must-see’ destinations and I’m sure the Port community will be very proud of it.”
The public plaza will be landscaped and include interpretive play areas that celebrate the Port’s heritage. Along the main entrance sections of glass flooring will reveal the remains of the Harbor Master’s cellar below Custom House.
Mr. Ehmann is in talks with the South Australian Government to secure the necessary approvals and support for the project.
The project was initially supported by architect Graham Hardy and on his retirement, was taken over by John Byleveld Architects which is bringing Mr Ehmann’s vision to life with a master plan that celebrates significant heritage while creating vibrant public spaces to enjoy.
The first stage of the development will include the demolition of the Fisherman’s Wharf Shed to make way for car parking opportunities that will support the initial stages of development of the Customs House precinct.
The construction of the Customs House precinct will be undertaken by Mossop Construction & Interiors who have much experience with heritage restorations, including Old Parliament House, and who are currently constructing One SMG’s second Quest Hotel alongside the British Hotel on North Parade.
“This part of Port Adelaide was a bustling and vibrant place where people lived, worked and played. My vision with this developments is not just to recreate that vibrancy but make the Port better than it’s ever been,” said Mr. Ehmann.
“There has been a lot of investment in the Port over the past years, by likeminded people who can see the Port’s true potential, I believe that this project will further validate all of that commitment and create something that is truly special.”