Two Historic Adelaide Hotels Enter New Chapters

Two landmark hotel sites in Adelaide’s inner suburbs are entering a new phase of redevelopment, highlighting the growing appetite for adaptive reuse, mixed-use projects and hospitality investment across South Australia.

GALLERY

In Gilberton, Adelaide-based developer Citify is progressing its $200 million redevelopment of the former Buckingham Arms Hotel following a recent ruling by South Australia’s State Commission Assessment Panel.

The decision allows the removal of a jacaranda street tree that had become the subject of a dispute between the developer and the City of Walkerville.

The issue was raised at a panel meeting this month, where URPS senior consultant Matilda Asser, representing Citify, argued the tree’s removal was necessary to facilitate crane operations during construction.

According to Asser, removing the tree would improve construction efficiency, reduce disruptions to the surrounding road network and eliminate clearance risks associated with crane movements.

Representing the City of Walkerville, Norman Waterhouse lawyer Gavin Leydon opposed the proposal, describing it as an action driven by convenience rather than necessity and warning of long-term community impacts.

Despite the objections, the panel determined that the tree’s removal would not be seriously at variance with South Australia’s Planning and Design Code.

The approved development will deliver a 10-storey apartment building comprising 130 apartments and 56 short-stay apartments, alongside 14 split-level SoHo residences, 20 affordable housing units and 13 NDIS apartments. Residents will also have access to a pool, golf simulator, steam room, gym, wine room, private function space and parking for 246 vehicles.

Importantly, the heritage-listed Buckingham Arms Hotel, originally constructed in the 1840s and significantly damaged by fire in November 2024, will be restored as part of the project.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Hackney, global accommodation provider Urban Rest has commenced operations at a new 72-key boutique hotel occupying the former site of the heritage-listed Hackney Hotel.

Completed by Adelaide developer V Three Group in late 2025, the mixed-use project incorporates a restored 1883 heritage façade alongside contemporary accommodation facilities. The property, which has recently been listed for sale through Savills, is expected to achieve more than $30 million.

The hotel features digital check-in technology, a gym, 44 secure basement car parks and a 40-seat restaurant and bar. According to Savills and Urban Rest representatives, the project is well positioned to benefit from Adelaide’s expanding events calendar and growing demand for both business and leisure accommodation, underscoring the strength of the city’s evolving hospitality sector.

Images via The Urban Developer