Heritage hurdle for proposed Greenhill Road development
A proposed redevelopment of the Australian Education Union SA headquarters has hit a roadblock after part of the site was provisionally listed on the state’s heritage register.
Raggatt House and the SAIT Building at the Australian Education Union’s (AEUSA) South Australian headquarters were provisionally listed on the SA Heritage Register in February.
If confirmed on the state heritage register, any development involving “demolition, removal, conversion, alteration or painting of, or addition to, the place, or any other work that could materially affect the heritage value of the place” would require approval from the relevant planning authority, as set out in the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
The provisional listing comes after a prolonged battle by the AEUSA to develop the site and build multi-storey twin towers featuring “build to rent” apartments and office space for the union, which has faced backlash from nearby residents.
Modernist Adelaide founder Stuart Symons, who is the author of Modernist Adelaide: 100 Buildings 1940-1970s and regularly hosts brutalist walking tours of Adelaide, said the union’s headquarters is one of the best examples of brutalist architecture in Adelaide.
“Brutalism is having a global comeback. What used to be mocked as concrete monstrosities are now cult favourites, celebrated for their raw honesty, daring design and social ambition,” he said.
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“Heritage is more than cathedrals and cottages. It’s about preserving the best of each era. And brutalist gems like this are part of Adelaide’s story, whether you love them at first sight or grow to.”
The author of the heritage nomination, whose name has been redacted, argued that the place is of “State heritage significance because it demonstrates the evolution and importance of the union movement within South Australia, specifically the education union and the growing importance for better education during the 1970’s and the professionalisation of teaching”.
“Known as ‘Raggatt House’ the building is an outstanding example of brutalist architecture in South Australia and is a (sic) uniquely contextual in its design, responding to the form and features of the adjacent Georgian Revival dwelling known as ‘Meaghay House’ (c1935/36),” they said.
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“The building is further of state significance for its association with notable South Australian Architect Keith Neighbour who practiced in South Australia from the 1950s, remaining actively involved in the profession until his death in 2011, aged 92.”
The South Australian Heritage Council is currently seeking feedback on the provisional listing, which will close on June 4.
The SA Heritage Council has so far received one submission opposing the heritage listing, whose author’s name has also been redacted.
The author of this submission argued that it was the work of people in the building, rather than the building itself, that was significant.
“The AEUSA/SAIT organisation has done a wealth of work to contribute to the state’s history, however it is important to note that much of this work has been done in conversations with members, by getting out and about to school sites, and in the halls of parliament,” they said.
The author said that the buildings have become run down and would be too difficult to restore.
They added that many people visiting the building are surprised the union does not have more contemporary facilities.
“The union’s values are about solidarity and lifting the conditions of those who need it most. The proposed plans for the current site of this building are in line with these values, as the proposed development includes elements of rental accommodation for those who need them the most…,” they said.
“We are currently in a housing crisis and this ‘build-to-rent’ scheme is beneficial for both the union’s longevity and the needs of our state.”
AEUSA declined to comment when asked if it will be opposing the heritage listing, if it still plans to develop the site and if it will revise its proposal.