City East Development Set To Boost Adelaide’s Tourism And Economy

Published on December 1, 2025

Preparations for a major transformation in the East End of Adelaide have commenced with the collaboration between the City of Adelaide Council, the South Australian Government, and two major community housing providers for what will be one of the biggest urban renewal developments in the history of the City of Adelaide. The 900 million dollars City East Development is expected to cover close to 8,000 square meters between Pirie and Flinders Street It is a significant development in Adelaide with the $900 million City East Development expected to boost trade (in no small part through enhanced tourism) and improve the state of the economy of the region.

Tourism as a Key Focus of City East Project

The City East redevelopment is poised to reshape Adelaide’s eastern precinct, with the construction of four towers, each reaching up to 39 storeys. At the heart of the project lies a commitment to creating an accessible and vibrant space that will include a 200-room hotel, providing a major boost to Adelaide’s tourism infrastructure. This hotel will cater to both domestic and international visitors, offering top-tier accommodation within walking distance of the city’s cultural, educational, and commercial precincts. With the project situated so centrally, the development is expected to draw even more tourists to Adelaide, enhancing the city’s reputation as a prime destination for leisure and business travellers alike.

In addition to the hotel, the development includes more than 700 apartments, including affordable housing, commercial office spaces, and high-quality public realms. This mix of residential, commercial, and tourism-focused spaces is strategically designed to inject vibrancy into the area, attracting visitors to both the city’s tourist attractions and its growing business hub. The new laneways, green spaces, and pedestrian connections will further enhance the area’s appeal, offering a blend of modern living, commerce, and tourism in one dynamic package.

Boost to Local Businesses and Tourism Infrastructure

The tourism sector in Adelaide is set to benefit greatly from the City East project. As the development takes shape, the integration of retail destinations along with hospitality offerings will not only elevate the East End’s appeal to tourists but also support local businesses. The new active street frontages along Pirie Street and Flinders Street will create a bustling environment, with cafes, restaurants, and shops that will cater to both residents and visitors. These public spaces are expected to become popular meeting points for tourists looking to experience the heart of Adelaide.

Moreover, the project will help to alleviate the pressure on existing accommodation options in the city by introducing a modern hotel complex, in line with the growing demand from international tourists. As Adelaide continues to establish itself as a key destination for arts, culture, and events, the hotel and associated developments are expected to play a pivotal role in accommodating the increasing number of visitors coming to experience the city’s vibrant offerings.

Green Spaces and Sustainable Tourism Development

A significant feature of the City East development is its focus on sustainability and public realm improvements. The plan includes an emphasis on green spaces, with new north-south pedestrian connections and vibrant laneways that will enhance the area’s livability. These green spaces will not only serve local residents but will also attract tourists who seek out areas with natural beauty, outdoor dining, and leisurely strolls.

The integration of high-quality public realm spaces into the development plans shows the commitment to making Adelaide a more attractive destination for eco-conscious travellers. Green spaces will complement the city’s existing attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens and parklands, reinforcing Adelaide’s reputation as a city with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that the East End redevelopment is not just about urban growth but also enhancing Adelaide’s long-term appeal to tourism.

A Vision for the Future of Adelaide’s Tourism Sector

Collaboration with the City of Adelaide Council, the South Australian Government, and local housing providers demonstrates dedication to meeting the requirements of the city population growth and the tourism industry. Being able to provide residential, tourist accommodation, and other commerce/custom opportunities to the city, the City East development will help make Adelaide a tourism, business, and lifestyle destination.

As a result of the transformation, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Adelaide’s highly developed business and tourism infrastructure, with world-class attractions, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. As the city population increases, the City East project will provide tourists and residents with a sustainable, lively, and highly developed business and tourism infrastructure.

The development announcement is part of the East End Revitalisation Program which aims to improve Adelaide’s west end. This aligns with the State Government’s focus on building and supporting sustainable tourism and the other Adelaide Ecosystem on the South Australian State’s developed business and tourism infrastructure. The New retail and public space, and the City East developed business and tourism infrastructure will draw tourists and make Adelaide a highly desired destination.

In the course of the development of the project, the development is expected to positively impact the city’s tourism sector, enabling Adelaide to reach its target of a bustling metropolitan center that is inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming to tourists.