The State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) on Wednesday granted planning consent to the Freemasons Hall Trust for their 183 metre tall skyscraper behind the Grand Lodge of Freemasons Adelaide Masonic Centre at 254 North Terrace.

The Keystone Tower. Image: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust/supplied

The glass façade “Keystone Tower” is set to feature a 238-room hotel under Marriot International’s Westin Hotels brand as well as office space, a business lounge, function area, “wellness centre” and an observatory on the top levels.

It will also see the Great Hall at the rear of the state heritage listed Grand Lodge demolished to make way for the new tower.

The SCAP determined the development application was “not seriously at variance” with the planning code, according to minutes of the SCAP meeting published a short time ago.

The planning consent comes with a number of conditions, including that drawings, internal and external photographs and a 3D scan image is taken of the Great Hall before its demolition.

Approval is also still needed from Commonwealth air authorities due to the building’s height. Adelaide Airport did not oppose the development.

If constructed, the Keystone Tower would be Adelaide’s tallest building at 183 metres, eclipsing current title holder, the Crowne Plaza on Frome Street, by 45 metres.

The proposed development site, 254 North Terrace, is located within a CBD precinct noted for its high-rise development. Directly to the east is the 37-storey, 138-metre Crowne Plaza building and the 26-storey, 118-metre Yugo Adelaide student accommodation tower.

The site location of the Keystone Tower. Images: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust/supplied

The Keystone Tower plan assessed by the SCAP featured a new Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History on the first five floors of the tower and within the Grand Lodge.

But the size and extent of the museum to be delivered by the state government’s History Trust is unclear.

A media release distributed by the development group today said they would “continue exploring a proposal to house a new Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History on the first five floors”.

“While the South Australian Government is yet to commit further funding, the Freemasons remain determined to ensuring that South Australia’s history and connection to our culture will be the ‘beginning, middle and end’ of Keystone’s visitor experience,” the development group said.

Renders of the development’s interior. Image: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust supplied

The History Trust, which already runs the state’s Migration Museum, the National Motor Museum and the South Australian Maritime Museum, has long had its sights on establishing a new museum documenting South Australia’s history.

It was also given $250,000 from the former Marshall government to explore a business case for the concept, with the Grand Lodge one of the three options identified.

The front of the Grand Lodge, which will be retained as part of the development. Photo: InDaily

Keystone Tower lead consultant Michael Baragwanath said they were committed to constructing a “modern marvel” that is also a “respectful nod to Adelaide’s heritage”.

“This project promises not only to enhance Adelaide’s urban landscape but also to set a precedent for future developments in terms of pushing the envelope,” Baragwanath said in a statement.

The interface of the Grand Lodge and the Keystone Tower. Images: Walter Brooke and Associates and Freemasons Hall Trust/supplied

“We are listening to stakeholders to deliver a project that everyone can be proud of.

“As we look forward to the realisation of this landmark project, we hope that the Keystone Tower development is seen as a shining example of modern urban development done right.”

The Freemasons Grand Lodge was erected in 1927 and added to the state heritage register in 1984. The development group said today there is a “strong push” to have the Keystone Tower completed “ahead of the original structure’s centenary in 2027”.

Freemasons Hall, North Terrace. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily

The Keystone Tower was designed by Walker Brooke Architects and the Bara Consulting Group and will be developed in conjunction with the Melbourne-based Pelligra Group.

The consortium said the demolition of the Great Hall and conservation works to the Grand Lodge “will begin as soon as possible” once building consent – separate to planning consent – is granted.