Bell's Plumber Shop - Restoration at Last

For over 40 years, the St Peters Residents Association (SPRA), the former St Peters Council, the current City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and some councillors have voiced deep concern over the neglect of the State Heritage-listed Bell’s Plumbers Shop at 15 Payneham Road, College Park. Over the decades, the property has been allowed to deteriorate into a significant public eyesore. The building has also endured severe physical trials, including a mysterious internal explosion, a later fire, and extensive graffiti.

Heritage buildings are the cornerstone of our city's cultural and historic fabric. They provide a vital sense of place and history that our residents deeply value. Granted State Heritage protection 41 years ago, the building boasts a rich historical lineage. Built in 1883 for (Sir) John Colton, who later served as Mayor of Adelaide and Premier of South Australia, it was later sold to Scottish-born plumber and gasfitter David Charles Bell. The Bell family operated their business from the premises for more than a century.

The building stands as a fine example of a Victorian-era shop and attached dwelling, complete with a traditional verandah over the footpath. Its location is highly significant, sitting adjacent to a prominent cluster of State and Local Heritage Places, including the Maid and Magpie Hotel, the Bon Marche Building, and the Duke of Leinster Lodge.

Following years of inaction—which included a 2016 court ruling finding the owner guilty of failing to comply with a Heritage Protection Order—there is finally cause for optimism.
SPRA is heartened to report that the owner has submitted a development application to restore the building. The proposed plans include:

  • Restoring the front rooms and the historic shopfront.
  • Constructing a two-storey addition to the rear.
  • Separating the Bell’s Plumbers Shop property from the current title, which includes the adjacent vacant block and the Duke of Leinster Lodge building.

Council planners are currently assessing the application and consulting with State Heritage before the plans are released for public consultation.