August 2024
Festival Tower completed with full house
Walker has announced Festival Tower is now fully committed by tenants after securing a major bank ahead of its official opening today by the South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas.
The Premier will mark the completion of the 29-floor Riverbank skyscraper by unveiling a plaque in honour of Lang Walker AO, Walker Corporation’s Founder and visionary behind the Festival Plaza redevelopment, who passed away in January.
Walker has revealed a long-term tenancy deal signing Westpac Group across five floors in Adelaide’s premium commercial address.
Premier Malinauskas said Westpac’s move to Festival Tower is a strong show of confidence in the South Australian economy and future growth.
“The announcement of a full house at Festival Tower is a message we want the rest of Australia to hear loud and proud, South Australia is open for business with quality commercial offices rivalling anywhere in the country”
Premier of South Australia - Peter Malinauskas
“This is a great endorsement of our state’s future from Westpac, one of Australia’s big four banks that employs thousands of South Australians and is a provider of hundreds of thousands of home and business loans in Greater Adelaide and beyond.”
“Commitment from professional services like this will only attract others to join this Riverbank precinct when the second tower goes up after going through the planning approval processes.”
Occupying over 9,000 sqm, Westpac joins a portfolio of major Australian businesses that are calling Festival Tower home, including Deloitte, Origin Energy, Allianz, Mott MacDonald and Sparke Helmore Lawyers, as well as the new Flinders University City Campus.
Westpac and Bank SA’s move to Festival Tower follows Westpac’s successful transition into Parramatta Square by Walker in NSW, where they occupy 19,000 sqm of commercial space for 2,800 Sydney-based employees.
Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said Westpac Group’s move to Festival Tower is one of the largest leasing deals in Adelaide over the last 10 years.
“It took something special for Westpac to move from its current office in Adelaide’s CBD which they have occupied since the 1940’s and we are thrilled to welcome their team to Adelaide’s premium commercial tower, reinforcing our partnership across two states"
David Gallant - Walker Managing Director and CEO
L to R: Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Westpac Group General Manager for Property Carolyn Hoy
“Festival Tower sets the benchmark for modern, connected and sustainable workplaces surrounded by the city’s best new amenities and restaurants, all linked by outstanding transport connectivity.”
Westpac Group General Manager for Property, Procurement & Protective Services Carolyn Hoy said the move to Festival Tower continues the bank’s support for South Australia.
“The move to Festival Tower continues our ongoing support for our customers, people and the community in South Australia,” Ms Hoy said.
“Bringing some of our Adelaide-based teams together under one roof will make it easier to collaborate and support customers. After recently moving into Walker’s Parramatta Square building, we’re looking forward to providing some of our Adelaide-based teams access to the same great facilities.”
Walker’s vision for Festival Tower complements a surge of investment in transport, educational and cultural infrastructure, making the Adelaide CBD an increasingly attractive location for businesses seeking a vibrant business economy.
Walker recently announced the team behind the popular East End Cellars, Mother Vine and East End Cellars Norwood will bring a new and exciting food and wine experience to the ground floor of Festival Tower further activating Festival Plaza.
Westpac will begin its fit out later this year, with teams anticipated to move into Festival Tower in 2025.
