First images of heritage pub tower block revealed

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 thxjmtzywe time, Future Urban managing director Chris Vounasis told 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.”