Residents have now moved into the 158 addresses following practical completion in August this year, while many commercial tenants across the three towers are commencing operations.

Eighty Eight O’Connell comprises three towers connected by a multifunctional podium, containing a mix of two- and three-bedroom residences. Onsite amenity includes a health and wellbeing precinct,  featuring on-site cancer centre, allied health, state-of-the-art gym, day spa, and more.

The development contains flexible workplace suites via Hub Australia,  diverse retail including Mercato’s street-level experiential food market, and restaurant Yakisan located on level two.

The official opening ceremony commenced at the Sky Park – Eighty Eight O’Connell’s elevated public landscape on level two – with addresses delivered by Premier of South Australia, Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, City of Adelaide Lord Mayor, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM and Commercial & General’s Executive Chair, Jamie McClurg, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, acknowledged the project as the benchmark for development in the state. “Eighty Eight O’Connell is a landmark development that is redefining how we shape the future of our city and communities,” says Malinauskas. “For decades, this site stood as a reminder of unrealised potential. Today, it is the blueprint for the kind of development we aspire to see in our city.”

Eighty Eight O’Connell’s opening marks a significant milestone for the residents of North Adelaide after the significant former Le Cornu site has lain dormant for 36 years. Council purchased the site in 2017 and soon after sought an experienced developer to revive the precinct following an  international expression of interest campaign.

Local integrated development firm Commercial & General were appointed with Woods Bagot to deliver base-building architecture and residential interior design for the precinct.

“This project transforms a long-dormant site into a major hub for residential, commercial, retail and health and wellbeing activities,” says Woods Bagot Director Thomas Masullo. “Today’s official opening is a testament to the success and vision of Commercial & General and its project partners, marking a renewed era in the evolution for the North Adelaide community.”

“Eighty Eight O’Connell has been decades in the making,” adds Commercial & General Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg. “We are proud to deliver not just a building, but a living, breathing precinct that combines community, commerce, lifestyle, and culture in one place. Eighty Eight is a new benchmark of urban integrated living and will serve as a catalyst for considered amenity and design in major mixed use projects.”

At completion, the project represents one of the city’s largest private buildings, covering 7,500 square metres across a site bound by O’Connell, Archer, Centenary and Tynte streets.  Vertically massed residences are designed to support North Adelaide’s growing population, targeting downsizers looking to exchange larger homes for panoramic city views and integrated amenities including onsite health and wellness, and diverse dining experiences.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal and project design leader Waleed Moughraby says liveability has been considered at every level of the project, drawing on wellness and lifestyle to shape the design from the ground plane through to the crown.

“At ground level, our design reinforces O’Connell Street’s high street character, creating an outward-focused community that blends a mix of uses to elevate the daily experience of residents and the broader local community,” says Moughraby.

“The porous ground plane extends seamlessly into the podium levels, creating layered yet connected spaces where transient zones and quality finishes blur the boundaries between inside and out. Moving up the tower, residences are designed to prioritise natural light, views, and a strong connection to their surroundings.”

The project is expected to bring myriad benefits to the city through the creation of compelling commercial opportunities, supporting up to 500 ongoing jobs following construction. Blending lifestyle, health and wellness, workplace and retail, the project is positioned to foster a vibrant community and serve as a catalyst for the revitalisation of the O’Connell Street precinct.

Media enquiries
Isla Sutherland
Content and Communications Specialist (Australia & New Zealand)