Citify Tries Again with Buckingham Arms Plans

Adelaide property developer Citify hopes it will be a case of third time’s the charm as it files another set of plans for the historic Buckingham Arms Hotel site.

The latest plans that “break up the building’s scale and mass” are now before PlanSA for the 10-storey scheme proposed for 1-9 Walkerville Terrace at Gilberton, about 3km north of the Adelaide CBD.

The builder-developer is keen to get something over the line after being knocked back by the SA Government’s State Commission Assessment Panel [SCAP] in March. 

The original proposal included a mixed-use building with 193 homes—180 apartments and 11 townhouses—as well as a four-level office building and basement parking. 

A fallback plan was submitted in June for 29, three-storey townhouses but for Citify the only way was up, to really make the project worthwhile.

The 15 reasons for refusal of the original “overdeveloped” proposal were addressed by URPS planners and SMFA architects in the new scheme that comprises 130 apartments, 57 serviced apartments and retention of the Buckingham Arms Hotel as well as the jacaranda trees on the site.

▲ A render of one of the unsuccessful plans for the 6200sq m, triangular site at the corner of Northcote and Walkerville terrace at Gilberton.

Two levels of basement parking below 1103sq m of hospitality space on the ground floor are also proposed.

Amenities include a swimming pool, gym, golf simulator, cinema, function room and wine room.

The notable differences for the new application compared to the previous 10-storey proposal is the podium and the colour palette, which now contrasts with the pub that dates from the 1840s.

The Town of Walkerville Council is to be briefed on the project that is on notification with PlanSA until October 24.

▲ A render of alternate plans for the site that comprise 29 townhouses. 

The council will then “consider its position and decide whether to make a submission to SCAP”. Meanwhile, the townhouse plans are still under consideration.

“Whilst council supports development within the township, it wishes to emphasise its position on the importance of balanced and quality development to ensure the local character and heritage is maintained,” the council said.

The site was rezoned by the state government in 2022 as an Urban Corridor [Living] Zone and was put on the market in November, 2023.

Citify’s is also developing a residential project in the beachside suburb of Sellick, 47km south of the city centre.