As anger rages over one illegal demolition, Adelaide’s famous Crown & Anchor is under threat beneath the spectre of a $50 million development next door by its new owner.
South Australian developer Karidis Corporation purchased the heritage-listed hotel, established in 1853, from Adelaide pub operators Fahey Group.
Karidis Corporation already owns the land adjacent to the hotel, with approved plans for a $50m 13-storey development of apartments, retail and office space.
While Adelaide Council has stressed the pub is to be protected, there are fears for its future – particularly in its traditional capacity as a live music venue.
“Development plans for the site next to the Crown and Anchor have been approved by DAC (Development Assessment Commission), but no plans in relation to the Crown and Anchor itself have been lodged,” said a Council spokesperson.
“The Crown and Anchor is heritage-listed so demolition of the hotel is unlikely to be supported by council. Council has not been notified of any intentions for the site.”
Back in 2013, Karidis announced that he would support the continuation of the Crown & Anchor, popularly known as ‘The Cranker’ and long revered as a live music venue in the city, suggesting he would install soundproof glass in the apartments that would negate any noise issues.
But the purchase last month is seen as a death knell to the pub as it is known. Fahey Group co-owner Kevin Gregg told Adelaide Now the discussion was amicable and his eventual “prudent” decision to sell was based in its unavoidable future.
“Inevitably apartments are going to be built there,” Gregg resigned.
“History tells us that it has always been difficult when you have residents living right alongside you — the operations of the hotel have to adapt. Particularly for a hotel that is truly a live music venue.”
The AHA SA suggests this kind of situation needs greater “political will” to address the dilemma of iconic structures amid development ambition.
“The expectations of affluent Baby Boomers and career-minded executive couples are increasingly at odds with what a pub needs to provide to its audience to remain viable.
“Pubs and live music go hand in hand but their long-term viability is considerably more complex than just “banning” adjacent development.
“History tells us that local government and the government agencies that monitor noise complaints also favour the residence despite the hotel’s ‘first occupancy’ status.”