ABC Adelaide May Move to New City Arts Building

ABC Adelaide is looking at moving its offices from Collinswood to a new place in the city center. This new building would be an arts hub with other arts groups. A study is happening now to see if this move is a good idea.
By Newsroom | Broadcasting, South Australia |

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Adelaide operations are slated for a significant move from their long-standing Collinswood location to a new, centralized arts hub within the city center. This transition, currently under a joint feasibility study with the South Australian government, aims to situate the ABC alongside other prominent arts organizations, including Country Arts SA, the State Theatre Company South Australia, and the State Opera South Australia. The move is prompted by the aging Collinswood building, which has housed ABC Adelaide for nearly five decades and is deemed no longer suitable for modern technological and production demands.

Background: A New Chapter for ABC Adelaide

For over 50 years, ABC Adelaide has operated from its Collinswood premises, a site located approximately six kilometers from the Adelaide Central Business District (CBD). This location, encompassing a five-acre parcel, currently serves as the workplace for over 200 ABC staff. The current building, now nearly 52 years old, is reportedly no longer aligned with the evolving technological requirements and production capacities needed by a contemporary broadcaster.

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  • Timeline: The discussions and planning for this relocation have been ongoing, with a formal feasibility study initiated.

  • Actors: Key entities involved include the ABC, the South Australian Government, and several prominent arts organizations.

  • Key Events: The announcement of a joint feasibility study to explore relocation options marks the primary development.

Rationale for Relocation: Outdated Facilities

The primary driver behind the proposed relocation is the perceived inadequacy of the current Collinswood facility. Reports indicate that the building struggles to support the technological advancements and operational needs of all ABC teams based there.

  • Technological Demands: ABC Managing Director David Anderson has highlighted the necessity for facilities equipped to handle modern broadcasting technology.

  • Operational Suitability: The existing infrastructure is understood to be no longer purpose-fit for the broadcaster's current and future operational requirements.

A Centralized Arts Hub

The envisioned new location is a stand-alone building within the Adelaide CBD, specifically identified as the Tapangka site on Franklin Street. This site is intended to become a shared arts hub, bringing together the ABC's Adelaide operations with Country Arts SA, the State Theatre Company South Australia, and the State Opera South Australia. This consolidation is seen as an opportunity to foster collaboration and centralize artistic and broadcasting activities.

  • Shared Facilities: The proposed move will see multiple arts and media organizations co-located.

  • Geographic Shift: The relocation signifies a move from the suburbs to a more accessible city center location.

The Feasibility Study: Assessing the Path Forward

A joint feasibility study is underway between the ABC and the South Australian government. This comprehensive assessment will evaluate the broadcaster's needs and explore potential relocation options. The study is designed to be inclusive, gathering input from various stakeholders.

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  • Staff and Stakeholder Input: The process includes obtaining feedback from ABC staff, other stakeholders, and current leaseholders at the Collinswood building.

  • Site Assessment: The study will also consider the future of the current Collinswood site, including potential sale of the property in whole or in part.

  • Government Support: The South Australian government, through Arts Minister Andrea Michaels, has welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the arts and creative industries.

Future Implications and Next Steps

The outcome of the feasibility study will dictate the definitive path forward for ABC Adelaide's relocation. Should the study confirm the viability and benefits of the move, the transition is expected to occur, with some reports suggesting a potential timeframe of from 2029 for the arts organizations. The ABC has assured that its service footprint across regional bureaus and to the people of Adelaide will remain consistent, regardless of the location change.

  • Potential Consolidation: The move represents a significant step towards consolidating public broadcasting and arts activities in a central location.

  • Future of Collinswood: The disposition of the current Collinswood site remains a subject of the ongoing feasibility study.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why might ABC Adelaide move?
The current building in Collinswood is very old and not good for modern technology.
Q: Where might they move?
They might move to a new arts hub in the city center, sharing the space with other arts groups.
Q: Is the move decided?
No, a study is happening with the government to see if the move is possible and a good idea.