<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="http://9news.com.au/adelaide" rel="" target="" title="Adelaide"><span>Adelaide</span></a><span> will build its first skyscraper, at 160 metres tall, after the state government approved a controversial plan opposed by more than 120 prominent </span><a href="http://9news.com.au/south-australia" rel="" target="" title="South Australians"><span>South Australians</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The State Commission Assessment Panel today approved the plan to build a second tower at Festival Plaza in the heart of the Riverbank Precinct and behind Parliament House.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The 38-storey tower, by the Walker Corporation, will be the city's tallest commercial building.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/reserve-bank-westpac-predicts-four-rate-cuts-from-as-early-as-august/81dc9238-5569-4d60-a06d-22ba3a5ae044"><strong><span>Even more rate relief on the horizon as big four bank makes optimistic prediction</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The tower will be home to up to 5000 office workers and support 100 retail positions across its lower-level restaurants, cafes and bars.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is estimated to generate more than $1 billion in economic activity per year.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Premier Peter Malinauskas said the tower will make the precinct a "truly active and vibrant location""</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/adelaide-approves-controversial-plan-to-build-its-first-skyscraper/dbd43716-2605-4314-8612-f34e48bd5b8b" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This development will transform our capital for the better, and is demonstrative of Adelaide's rise as a truly global city," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Planning Minister Nick Champion said the project will be a "defining symbol of a city that is embracing a confident, modern future". </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/brittany-higgins-national-anti-corruption-commission-no-wrongdoing-in-2-million-settlement/a464997e-6b91-46f6-a93c-95aa89e6ea2a"><strong><span>Linda Reynolds 'bitterly disappointed' in findings of no corruption in Brittany Higgins' $2.4m payout</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The refined plans ensure that we preserve the visual integrity and heritage of Parliament House while delivering a vibrant, activated public space that all South Australians can enjoy," he said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The development's approval came despite more than 120 people, including a former premier and architects, signing an open letter demanding that the project be stopped.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The group, Save Festival Plaza Alliance, wanted Festival Plaza to remain public land and called for a low-rise hub.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Festival Plaza should be open and civic in character," the group said in a statement.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If constructed, this tower will negatively impact on the heritage values of the immediately adjacent National Heritage listed Parliament House complex and Adelaide Park Lands."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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