Project background

Innovative development of a North Adelaide landmark

In February 2018, after 30 years of lying vacant, the City of Adelaide purchased the former Le Cornu site at 88 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide.

The site presents Council an exciting opportunity to facilitate a strategic development in a timely way that considers the needs of the community while contributing to the future of North Adelaide as both a commercial and residential district.

The development of Eighty Eight O’Connell will be a major driver of new urban activity within the O’Connell Street precinct, and a key contributor to the identity of the North Adelaide community.

This innovative development will be defined by exceptional architecture, urban design, high quality landscape, vibrant public art, sustainable building solutions and engaging place making.

Since taking ownership of the site, Council has undertaken extensive community consultation and stakeholder engagement. It has done this through public meetings, strategic engagement sessions, and online surveying.

The compiled feedback then formed the development guiding principles that have been endorsed by Council.

You’ll find information on the community consultation to date at the Community Consultation website.

A total of 14 Guiding Principles will form the framework for assessing proposals from interested development consortiums. These were formed after gaining feedback from the community and stakeholders.

Expression of Interest for a Development partner

In late 2018 a global Expression of Interest (EOI) process was conducted by the City of Adelaide.

Through Stage 1 of the EOI process, we received interest from local, interstate and international developers. We were delighted with the responses received, and the high level of thought shown through the initial proposals.

In March 2019, Council shortlisted developers to move through to Stage 2 of the process which required them to submit detailed financial, commercial and development information for consideration by Council.

In September 2018, the City of Adelaide initiated an Expression of Interest process. The purpose of this process was to invite developers to submit a proposal to Council to undertake the redevelopment of the site

In March 2019, Council shortlisted proponents to the Stage 2 - Request for Detailed proposal process. There were a number of considerations in selecting the developer. Of primary importance was the developer’s financial and overall project capability and capacity to design and deliver the project. The Guiding Principles were also a component of the framework for assessing proposals from interested development consortiums.

Following the evaluation of submissions, on 19 November 2019, Council selected a developer to commence the detailed commercial negotiations process.

On 16 December 2020, Council announced Commercial & General as the developer to undertake and manage the design and construction of the development to deliver the outcomes for the community.

Whilst Council is working towards securing a development partner, they will make Eighty Eight O’Connell a place for the community to use and enjoy. It will be a unique place that is ever changing with a broad array of activities and events. You’ll find details of forthcoming events at the site in our What’s On section.

For more information about the City of Adelaide’s Eighty Eight O’Connell Street project, please refer to the Frequently asked questions page.

If you have a specific questions, please contact Rachel Tassone, City of Adelaide Project Manager: