Rejuvenation for Gawler Chambers

Rejuvenation for Gawler Chambers

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Posted 2014-04-24 by Jenny Esotsfollow
Adelaide's cultural prescient has many heritage buildings, sculptures and leafy glades to draw the visitor in.

North Terrace has many attractions and is a favourite area of many Adelaidian's to visit.

Further info on what's on offer is available here - precinct Adelaide Cultural Precinct - Adelaide City Council

Check out South Australian Things to do



One of the lesser-known buildings has been quietly resting along North Terrace for quite some decades.

Gawler Chambers is due for rejuvenation. This beautiful old building with its old world charm awaits restoration. Most folks walk blindly past its heritage facade. But it is worth a closer look.



Gawler Chambers is a five story building in a prominent location on the corner of Gawler Place and North Terrace. It is one of Adelaide's hidden cultural landmarks.



Gawler Chambers retains its heritage status and is an important element in one of the most distinctive streetscapes of Adelaide. This grand old building complements the scale and character of nearby buildings on North Terrace. The building is described as eclectic in style, containing classical and Tudor Gothic features.
The interior is also no doubt worth seeing.



A Potted History

Gawler Chambers, constructed in 1913-14, is important for its association with the South Australian Company. The Company played a central role in the foundation of South Australia, and established many industries and enterprises, including whaling, banking and pastoral enterprises.

This building is one of few surviving tangible reminders of the Company, which was actively associated with the site for over one hundred years, in an earlier building from 1842 and in Gawler Chambers until 1945.

The Chambers, through its association with the South Australian Company, has an important link to the early development of South Australia.

The building is set to undergo a transformation, with plans approved for redevelopment.


The building is in need of some basic maintenance, but otherwise appears to be in fair condition. The external appearance of the building has been compromised by the removal of balconies and the addition of air conditioning units.

The Advertiser reported in 2011 that a modern makeover was planned for Gawler Chambers.
'The Gawler Chambers will be transformed into contemporary office accommodation if a development application for its redevelopment is approved.

Adelaide Development Company, which has owned the building on the corner of North Tce and Gawler Place since 1945, plans to build a multi-level commercial office tower behind the building's 1914 facade.

It was also stated that with a smooth development application process and transition to construction should see the building completed by 2015.'

January 2012 saw a long awaited announcement.

Plans for a $30 million redevelopment of Gawler Chambers on the corner of North Terrace and Gawler Place in Adelaide have been approved by the city's Development Assessment Commission.
Adelaide Development Company will now progress plans to transform the disused landmark into a 14-storey building for modern office and retail space. Significantly, the century-old façade of the building will be retained and restored to its former glory.

Managing Director of Adelaide Development Company, Fiona Roche, said the company – which has owned the building since 1945 – is delighted with the DAC approval and is looking forward to speaking with prospective tenants before breaking ground on the project in 2014.

As yet there is no sign this derelict building is being returned to its former glory.

In 2012, Adelaide Development Company is celebrating its 90th year since being established by South Australia's prominent Roche family in 1922. See here for more information.

The façade is heritage listed and to be retained.


We await the next stage in the life of Gawler Chambers, in hope of a transformation worthy of its place in along North Terrace and our State's heritage.



The main entrance is finished in Murray Bridge granite and freestone.

Post script: I have written this article following a conversation I had with an old Adelaidian who was lamenting the buildings derelict status. Thank you Margaret for your wisdom and perspective.

#historic_houses
#attractions
#architecture
#adelaide_city
#history
#south_australia
#things_to_see
%wnadelaide
182423 - 2023-06-16 01:57:32

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