Vale Frank Salandra

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of well-known South Australian property investor and developer, Mr Frank Salandra, of Salandra Development & Associates.

Frank was a very well-liked property stalwart who was always jovial and up for a chat.  You always knew where you stood with Frank for he was as straight forward as they come.

He initially cut his teeth in the grind of the industrial market around Adelaide buying up land, sheds, factories and warehouses and was a dominant force, with numerous properties from the north eastern suburbs right across to the north west. 

He also made his mark on the retail side having originally lured Harvey Norman to Adelaide, to his property on Main North Road at Enfield, along with owning the Happy Valley Shopping Centre and Newton Central, which he had planned to undertake a $60 million upgrade on to include a cinema and up to 75 shops.

Frank could be found all over Adelaide buying property, upgrading older buildings or constructing new ones from the ground up – in places like Wingfield, Enfield, Windsor Gardens, Hindmarsh, Blair Athol, Regency Park, Croydon Park, Newton, Holden Hill and elsewhere.

Frank was as hands on as one could get and he believed in doing it his way.  He once told me that the only person he could rely on “to get the bloody job done” was himself – how right he was.

Above all, I knew Frank to be a dedicated family man who often spoke glowingly and lovingly about his family.  He had an infectious smile and was a pleasure to be around.

On behalf of the Property Council, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Frank’s family and many friends.  He will be missed.

– Steve Maras, SA President