South Australia was founded as a colony in 1836. We are still within the first two centuries of this event.
Whilst our architectural history is in its infancy, Adelaide has a well established character with a distinctive range of housing and many unique commercial and public buildings. In Goodwood Ward, the Keswick Barracks and Showground contain important structures which increasing see their context changing as we add new surrounding – such as the shiny new Wayville Railway Station.
The Capri Theatre, Goodwood Road - Photograph by Mandi Whitten
An important part of Council work is the vetting and approval of planning applications. I think that the local knowledge and experience of our Unley staff is most important and should be seen as complementary to the work of the State Government in this arena.
We need to be very aware of the value of our existing heritage, both the structures that are unique, e.g. The Capri Theatre or the two storey Old Butchers’ Shop on Goodwood Road, and also those that are characteristic of their time, such as Federation houses or mid to late Victorian workers’ cottages. Then we need to think of how they all sit in relation to that which will be newly built, so that we thoughtfully enhance our surroundings with points of interest and efficient function.
Our built heritage is a huge asset and must be given priority as it is irreplaceable. In this context, we can look to the future with exciting, innovative, sustainable complementary development to enrichen the amenity of our suburb.
