Maras Group to develop exciting new cinema complex in Prospect

Maras Group to develop exciting new cinema complex in ProspectIn 2008, South Australian-based commercial and retail property investment and development outfit, Maras Group, purchased a row of old retail shop and factory buildings in the Village Heart of Prospect Road to redevelop it into a mixed-use cinema complex. Maras Group has had a successful 20-year relationship with the Palace Nova Cinema group from Melbourne, having brought Nova Cinemas to Adelaide back in 1996. The East End Nova Cinemas were built in Rundle Street East and have thrived in that location ever since. Combined over two sites in the East End of Adelaide, the Palace Nova consortium operates 10 cinema screens. Over the last eight years or so whilst Maras Group tackled a variety of planning and design challenges, they granted short term leases to a large number of small businesses, including popular urban renewal organization, Renew Adelaide, to keep all the spaces activated, to foster employment, encourage entrepreneurialism, and keep the Village Heart of Prospect Road ticking along. The State Government’s 30-year plan provided for increased density which allowed Maras Group the opportunity to build to four levels, instead of two under the previous planning regime. Planning consent for the project was obtained in 2014 followed by Building Rules Consent in 2015, following a comprehensive detailed design process. Demolition of the existing buildings is now well underway with the site to be completely cleared by mid-May. Construction is then expected to commence in June or July with a 12-month building program expected. During, and post construction, it is envisaged that the development will generate in excess of 3 jobs, being a welcome boost for employment in the state. This new mixed-used complex will be of the highest standard of design and finish and will incorporate many classic architectural elements, including a distinctive 1930’s Art Deco theme. It is expected that the building will be ground breaking as an inner-suburban, main street development. It will comprise:- Up to 6 retail shops, cafes & restaurants on the ground floor of around 600 square metres; 14 exclusive boutique cinemas over two levels to be operated by Palace Nova Cinemas; 1,100 square metres of A-grade commercial office space on the top floor, with balconies and stunning views in all directions; 2-levels of undercover on-site car parking for 54 vehicles plus bikes and motorcycles at the rear. Steve Maras, Group Managing Director and CEO of Maras Group said “we spent several years designing a building that was going to be a perfect fit for this site and that would accommodate a range of complementary mixed uses. Early on, we experienced various planning issues and realized that without a relaxing of the building height restrictions that prevailed at the time, the project would not go ahead. With all approvals now in place and the design for both the building and cinemas locked away, we are ready to start this project, a project that will bring a new dimension to Prospect Road and the inner-north for that matter”. Mr Maras went on to say “that the cinemas will be boutique in nature and unlike anything else seen in South Australia with some of the smaller cinemas catering for 25-30 people. We are developing a strong mix of retail and food operators on the ground level to complement the cinemas and hope to deliver a product that will provide a vibrant, entertainment-based centre operating 7-days a week”. The project team includes Tectvs, JDR#1 Pty Ltd, TMK Consulting Engineers, Resonate Engineers, FYFE/Connor Holmes, InfraPlan, Dash Architects, Botten Levinson, Piper Alderman and Crawford Legal.