Former names Government Offices Cost approx. £60,000 Construction started 1879 | Type Office, Education Completed 8 April 1881 Opened 8 April 1881 Renovated 1995 | |
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Architectural style Renaissance Revival architecture Similar Museum of Classical Archaeol, Victoria Square - Adelaide, St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, The Regal Theatre - Kensingt, Kensington Oval - Adelaide | ||
The Torrens Building, named after Sir Robert Richard Torrens, is a State Heritage listed building on the corner of Victoria Square and Wakefield Street in Adelaide, South Australia. Originally known as the Government Offices, the Torrens Building has been home to a number of government departments for most of its existence. Since 2005, it been the site of the University City Adelaide precinct, housing campuses of Carnegie Mellon University, Cranfield University, University College London and Torrens University.
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The building created some controversy in 1880 when it was reported that the Government of South Australia was going to import freestone for construction from Sydney, rather than use stone from local quarries.
In 2015, the Torrens Building was offered for sale as part of the State Administration Centre precinct by the Government of South Australia, previously having been excluded from the sale plans.
Restoration and Renovation
Between 1991 and 1995, major refurbishment of the Torrens Building was undertaken. Once completed, the building was used to accommodate a number of community groups and organisations including:
Following renovation, the building was reopened by then Premier of South Australia, John Olsen, on 19 September 1997.
Notable Features
A plaque on the Western wall exterior commemorates the centenary of the Real Property Act 1858, which provides for the Torrens Title system, developed in South Australia and adopted around the world. The plaque was unveiled on 1 July 1958 by then Lieutenant Governor of South Australia, Sir Mellis Napier.
The Torrens Building houses an honour board displaying the names of Government of South Australia employees killed in World War I.