ABC Adelaide moves to Franklin Street and plans for new housing at Collinswood site

The ABC is leaving its 52-year-old home in Collinswood for a new spot in the city. This move could help build more houses in Adelaide, where the government wants 315,000 new homes by 2055.
By Newsroom | Housing, Adelaide |

Adelaide is at a crossroads concerning its urban development, with significant changes afoot for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) presence in the city. The broadcaster is planning a move from its long-standing Collinswood site to new premises in the CBD, sparking discussions about the future use of the old and new locations. While the ABC has not confirmed specific plans for the Collinswood property, its potential redevelopment, possibly including housing, aligns with broader state government goals to increase housing supply across the region. This shift represents a complex interplay between public broadcasting needs, urban planning, and the pressing demand for more homes.

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ABC Relocation and Site Futures

The ABC is preparing to transition its Adelaide operations from its current Collinswood headquarters to a new, more central location on Franklin Street in Adelaide's central business district. The existing Collinswood building, which has served the ABC for over 50 years, is described as no longer "purpose-fit" for the broadcaster's needs.

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  • New Premises: The new ABC building will also house other arts organizations. Country Arts SA has already moved in, and the State Theatre Company South Australia and State Opera South Australia are expected to join for at least four years. The ABC has purchased land for this new facility, with state government entities slated to be tenants.

  • Old Site's Potential: The future of the 52-year-old Collinswood site is under consideration. The ABC's managing director has suggested that the property could be redeveloped, drawing a comparison to The Watson in Walkerville, a project that incorporated housing. A feasibility study is underway to explore all options, which may include selling the site, either entirely or in parts.

  • Feasibility Study Scope: This study will involve input from ABC staff, stakeholders, and current leaseholders at the Collinswood building. The aim is to ensure that the ABC's service footprint and offerings to the people of Adelaide remain consistent after the move.

Broader Housing Strategy in South Australia

The potential redevelopment of the ABC's Collinswood site is occurring within a larger context of South Australia's ambitious housing growth strategy. The state government is actively rezoning land and planning for substantial new housing developments.

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  • Greater Adelaide Regional Plan: This plan, unveiled in March 2025, aims to create 315,000 new homes across the greater Adelaide region over the next 30 years.

  • Rezoning Initiatives: As part of this plan, five sites previously exempt from development are being rezoned to facilitate construction. This represents a shift in strategy, moving from a prior emphasis on "infill" development towards identifying new areas for housing.

  • Growth Corridors: The plan identifies four main growth corridors, or "spines," extending from Adelaide's center, targeting areas like the Northern suburbs for significant home construction.

Controversial Developments and Planning

Past developments on former ABC sites in other states offer a precedent for how such properties might be repurposed, sometimes leading to community contention.

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  • Elsternwick Site Example: In Victoria, a controversial development on the former ABC studios site in Elsternwick was approved, allowing for two residential towers comprising 148 apartments and a new Woolworths supermarket.

  • Planning Laws: This development was approved under new state government "fast-track" planning laws designed to expedite housing construction and bypass some traditional approval processes. The approval proceeded despite opposition from the local council and residents.

Arts and Community Impact

The relocation of the ABC and the inclusion of other arts organizations in the new CBD premises highlight a plan to create a consolidated arts and media hub.

  • Centralized Arts Precinct: The feasibility study for the new ABC location is considering a more central site, likely within an arts precinct. This move aims to foster collaboration and create a vibrant cultural center.

  • Government Support: The State Government has welcomed the opportunity to collaborate on the feasibility study, underscoring its commitment to the project and the co-location of arts entities.

Expert Commentary and Community Consultation

While the ABC's managing director has expressed optimism about the move and future possibilities, the details of the Collinswood site's future remain part of an ongoing study.

"It’s envisioned the site would be sold, either in whole or in part, but again, that is still part of the feasibility study."

This statement indicates that while sale and redevelopment are possibilities, a final decision has not been reached. The inclusion of staff and current leaseholders in the consultation process suggests an attempt to address concerns and gather diverse perspectives before finalizing plans.

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Conclusion: A Multifaceted Transition

The ABC's relocation from its Collinswood building in Adelaide is a significant event with potential ramifications extending beyond the broadcaster itself. The move to a new, central CBD location, which will also serve as a home for other arts organizations, signals a commitment to modernization and integration. Simultaneously, the future of the expansive Collinswood site is a subject of study, with redevelopment, potentially including housing, being a plausible outcome. This aligns with the broader South Australian government agenda to address housing shortages through strategic rezoning and development. The process is ongoing, with a feasibility study underway to determine the final outcomes for both the new ABC premises and the future of the old site. The outcome will be closely watched as it intersects with the state's growth objectives and the future of urban development in Adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the ABC moving from the Collinswood building to Franklin Street in Adelaide?
The ABC is moving because the 52-year-old Collinswood building is no longer good for modern TV and radio work. The new location on Franklin Street will be a modern office that also houses groups like Country Arts SA and the State Theatre Company.
Q: What will happen to the old ABC Collinswood site after the move?
A study is looking at how to use the old site, which might include building new homes or selling parts of the land. This plan is similar to 'The Watson' project in Walkerville, which turned an old building into apartments and offices.
Q: How many new homes does the South Australian government want to build in Adelaide?
The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan aims to build 315,000 new homes over the next 30 years. To do this, the government is changing land rules and looking at old sites like the ABC office to create more space for people to live.
Q: Which arts organizations are moving into the new ABC building on Franklin Street?
The new building will host the ABC along with Country Arts SA, the State Theatre Company South Australia, and the State Opera South Australia. These groups will share the space for at least four years to create a central arts and media center in the city.
Q: Will the ABC Collinswood site redevelopment be fast-tracked like the Elsternwick site in Victoria?
While no final decision is made, other states have used 'fast-track' laws to build apartments on old ABC sites quickly. In Elsternwick, Victoria, the government approved 148 apartments despite local residents being unhappy, showing how these projects can move fast.