Heritage doesn't just mean old! Celebrating some of SA’s 20th Century heritage gems
State Heritage tends to evoke images of grand old buildings lining North Terrace, but State Heritage is so much more than just our older built history. Learn more about some of South Australia's 20th Century gems!
It may surprise you to know that State Heritage Places do not qualify simply due to age.
Other factors are taken into consideration such as association with the life or work of a person, organisation or an event of historical importance, or places connected to the evolution of the State's history.
For Heritage SA, this means State Heritage aims to protect, conserve and celebrate South Australia’s story from our early beginnings to today. And that includes some fascinating and interesting places from the second half of the 20th Century.
South Australia underwent immense change post 1946.
The development of new styles of architecture, immigration booms and vast changes in industry all impacted our built heritage.
This is preserved and protected in the places confirmed in the South Australian Heritage Register.
We asked some of the team from Heritage SA to tell us about their favourite State Heritage Place from the late 20th Century.
Whyalla High School
Location: Broadbent Terrace, Whyalla
Confirmed as a State Heritage Place on: 25 September 2003
Our heritage expert says: I think Whyalla High School is really great. My husband is from Whyalla and when we visit, I like coasting around the streets checking out the amazing 20th Century buildings. It demonstrates an era when Whyalla was experiencing a boom in mining, immigration and wealth. I love that a lot of the original derailing such as terrazzo floors remain (hopefully). The school is closed now. Hopefully it finds a new use and it is cared for into the future. - Kirsty Nield, Senior Heritage Officer.
Greek Orthodox Church
Location: 282 - 288 Franklin Street, Adelaide (Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel)
Confirmed as a State Heritage Place on: 11 December 1997
Our heritage expert says: A work of great architectural and cultural integrity. Modernist interpretations of ancient religious built forms for a new community designed and built at a seminal time of social change; 1967. NOTE: Fabulous copper clad dome and cylindrical form of the main church reflected- Kevin O’Sullivan, Senior Heritage Architect
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Former Eagle Star Insurance building
Location: 28 - 30 Grenfell Street, Adelaide (now called Ferarri House).
Confirmed as a State Heritage Place on: 12 December 2019
Our heritage expert says: The 1968 building sits in Grenfell Street as a well mannered piece of late modernism, respectful of the neighbouring classically styled 1920s era commercial buildings in scale and proportion. The mix of aluminium, steel, glass and concrete illustrates the design possibilities of the new materials in a modern Adelaide of the 1960s. The building is also of interest as the design precedent of the larger Eagle House in Melbourne by the same architects. Façade systems and materials were tested in Adelaide. - Michael Queale, Principal Heritage Architect
Coober Pedy Catholic Church and Presbytery
Location: Lot 9 Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy
Confirmed as a State Heritage Place on: 24 July 1980
Our heritage expert says: My favourite buildings are usually the ones that people built themselves. St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church in Coober Pedy was converted from an existing dugout in 1967 by volunteer labour. Extensions including the presbytery were dug later. The church, an example of vernacular architecture, was built by local residents from local material using the skills and resources of the community in response to the unique environment of South Australia’s far north. The building responds to the harsh environment of South Australia’s far north and the cave like interior is cool, quiet and reflective. - Dr Susan Avey, Senior Heritage Architect
The Bicentennial Conservatory
Location: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Hackney Road, Adelaide
Confirmed as a State Heritage Place on: 12 December 2014
Our heritage expert says: The enormous and recognisable Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a favourite with its fascinating design and purpose. Designed by local architect Guy Maron, he produced a creative design solution responding to the problems of designing a tropical glasshouse within a dry, temperate climate. Constructed in 1989, it’s a great State Heritage Place with accessibility for the public to access, connect with and enjoy all year round - Gabriella Chamberlain, Heritage officer
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