In the fourth and final part of our series on the future of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, today’s experts suggest keeping the heritage-listed buildings for student accommodation or re-using them in a residential development.

Iris Iwanicki, Planning Institute of SA state president

Like most of the buildings on the Parklands belt along North Terrace, any new use should fulfil a cultural and public function consistent with the institutional nature of this part of the city.

The RAH complex includes a variety of buildings. Some are in need of replacement, but the heritage-listed buildings are an asset that is irreplaceable in terms of significance and history. The former nurses’ quarter might provide tertiary student accommodation.

The proximity to the Botanic Gardens, river and university campus indicates a perfect setting for extending teaching, arts or research facilities as part of any redevelopment of the site.

There is an argument for the city that development of apartments, offices and restaurants be kept on the southern side of North Terrace to maintain the distinctiveness and character of city central.

Scale and design quality in the case of the RAH should complement  the existing character of the older buildings – it would be lovely to see well-proportioned and elegant new development. Please, no architectural conceits that strive to be as garishly different as possible!

Other Options for the Royal Adelaide Hospital Site

• Brendon Harslett – Turn the RAH site into open space, use it for festivals
• Nick Tridente – Close Frome Road, extend the cultural boulevard
• Andrew Wallace – Demolish the RAH, build gardens

Daniel Bennett, vice-president of Australian Institute of Landscape Architects SA

The old hospital has a labyrinth of old and newish buildings – some of which are destined for the wrecking ball – but there are gems in there.

I’d like to see the Parklands meander through to meet Frome Road and North Terrace, and adaptively re-use some of the better buildings for residential purposes. It could be a model redevelopment, unlike any other in Adelaide, for high-density living.

There are plenty of good examples of this approach elsewhere and I implore people to avoid decreeing the site only for Parklands.  Imagine a  series of laneways full of small coffee bars, cafes and other retail outlets with well-designed, sensitive, re-used buildings above. Much of the infrastructure is already there – access, parking and essential services.

More and more Adelaideans want this type of living and here is an opportunity to explore creating a development with a far smaller ecological footprint.