The proposed Le Cornu site development is “derivative” but efforts to create an iconic building have been commended by industry experts.

Artistic impressions include a 15-storey, gold-hued tower on the site’s most prominent street frontage, the corner of O’Connell and Archer streets.

The concept for the $200 million development, released by developer Makris Group this month, has few details, but designers, architects and planners agree that the plans are a significant improvement on previous pitches for the site.

Design Institute of Australia state president Andrew Wallace said there was still work to be done to realise the full potential of the site.

“The design to me is pretty derivative, the tower in particular needs work,” Wallace said.

“(North Adelaide) has started to calcify. What can we do with this development to bring this precinct back to life?

“This is a great big opportunity to do something fantastic for that part of the city.”

Wallace said Makris Group favoured the significant tower, which will be partly residential, to capitalise on floor space.

The proposal includes:

• 131 residential apartments across three different buildings including the tower.
• 3,000 square metres of “premium” office space.
• 3,000 square metres of retail space.
• A six-level boutique hotel and
• A 440-space below-ground car park.

However, Wallace said the most important parts of the design would be the fit-out and the tenants.

“I remember a time when North Adelaide was buzzing. The last 20 years it has gone a bit backwards,” he said.

“To get the tenant mix right you need to have a unique proposal, and one that compels clients away from other parts.

“If you can get the design right and a building that is iconic and speaks of South Australia in 2015 and beyond… the commercial activity will come.”

Australian Institute of Architects state president Steve Grieve said the latest proposal was “vastly improved” from the last concept, released by Makris in 2007. He saw little issue with the 15-storey tower despite well-documented resistance from residents about it being out of character in the heritage area.

“Personally, I’m heartened by (the plans),” Grieve said.

“I support height in cities along main thoroughfares and so in principle I endorse that approach.

“But what’s important is the interface between that development and (the neighbouring) residential developments to the east… it’s a highly sensitive area.”

Grieve said from an architectural perspective, high quality finishes and materials would be key to the success of any establishment built there.

“I would hope that the developer gives it appropriate consideration and appropriate resources to get it right.”

Planning Institute of Australia state president Darren Starr said the time was right for a development of this scale to go ahead on the site that has been vacant since 1989. He cited Adelaide Oval redevelopment as a great example of major works that had overcome long-standing scepticism to become a great product.

“There is some positivity about Adelaide now and hopefully that’s what tips it over the edge this time,” Starr said.

“We want an active site that does contribute to North Adelaide.”

He said any development at that location should consider all four street frontages, not just the hero, O’Connell Street.

“They seem to have addressed each of the street faces.”

Makris Group is conducting its own community consultation before lodging the proposal with the Development Assessment Commission.

As a major development, the proposal is handled solely by the DAC, instead of the local Adelaide City Council. The land is considered a “catalyst site”, meaning normal height restrictions don’t apply.

Makris Group chairman Con Makris said it was intended to create an “iconic development” that captures the time and people of North Adelaide.