Construction has officially commenced on Festival Tower Two, which will become Adelaide's first skyscraper at 160 meters tall. Located between Parliament House and the Festival Theatre on state-owned land designated as Festival Plaza, this $800 million, 38-storey development is being undertaken by Walker Corporation. Originally slated for a completion date earlier than now projected, the skyscraper's completion is now expected by the end of 2028, introducing the question of access as the proposed airbridge to Parliament House will not be included in the final design.

The decision to build the skyscraper has sparked controversy due to its location and concerns about the financial dealings between the project owner and the state government. Premier Peter Malinauskas highlighted the positive economic impact of the project, stating that it would generate over 1,300 construction jobs and support approximately 5,000 jobs once the skyscraper is operational. Despite these prospects, local opposition persists, questioning whether the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks of the project and the transparency of the agreements made.

As South Australia moves forward with this ambitious urban development, the implications for Adelaide's architectural landscape and economic transformation are significant. However, the continuing opposition reflects broader concerns about urban planning, community engagement, and the balance of development against public interest in Adelaide's future. The outcome of this project will likely influence future developments in the region significantly.