Planning documents out for public consultation on the State Planning Commission website show a 53-metre-high hotel comprising 36 serviced apartments, a shop, hotel function area and penthouse apartment would be constructed at the rear of the circa-1870s pub.

The documents confirm the existing King’s Head Hotel on the corner of King William and Sturt streets would be retained, but a rear extension to the original building would be demolished to make way for the proposed tower.

InDaily was first to report last month that the owner of the hotel, by way of development consultant Future Urban, had lodged plans to redevelop the historic pub, which was added to the state’s heritage list in 1986.

At the time, Future Urban managing director Chris Vounasis told InDaily there were no artist renditions available, but the development would “continue the historical use of the King’s Head Hotel as a Hotel/Licensed premises”.

The planning documents show a contemporary tower clad with brick masonry, metal, bronze glass, concrete and aluminium.

A render of the proposed 16-storey tower at the back of the King’s Head Hotel. Image: Future Urban

“Commercial adaptability has been at the forefront of business operations since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago,” planning documents state.

“This proposal seeks to establish a more resilient composition of uses of land on the site, such that it strengthens the operational viability well into the future.”

The planning documents compiled by Future Urban state the proposed development would have a “contemporary design” that complied with height and heritage requirements.

The documents state a section of the original pub slated for demolition is “considered to be compromised in nature and be ancillary, utilitarian fabric of considerably less, or little heritage value”.

A render of the proposed 16-storey tower at the back of the King’s Head Hotel. Image: Future Urban

“In our opinion, the proposed development does exhibit an innovative design with stylish architecture which provides a clear edge to the street with consistent architectural detailing to all facades,” the documents state.

“The podium responds to both the heritage context of the site and the broader context and character of King William Street and Sturt Street.”

In its submission to the State Planning Commission, the Adelaide City Council said it did not oppose the plans, but it made several recommendations relating to boundary levels and stormwater drainage.

The King’s Head Hotel closed its doors in April 2020.

It’s since been leased by Patrick Marcucci and his family, who have renovated the interior with a new bar, tiled floor entrance and repainted walls and have brought live music back to the hotel on Friday and Saturday nights.

The bar, along with a new café and pizzeria, reopened in March 2021.

Future Urban is also consulting on the 32-storey towers which are set to soar above the heritage-listed Newmarket Hotel on the corner of North and West Terrace, along with other high profile CBD developments such as the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Pirie Street and the Southern Cross Arcade.

The public has until April 28 to comment on the King’s Head Hotel plans.