The Torrens Parade Ground site has a long-standing military association dating back to the early colony and has been used as a mustering point for troops leaving for wars and as a base for army regiments.

When the colonies federated in 1901, the ownership of the Torrens Parade Ground was transferred from the colony to the new Commonwealth Government.

The Parade Ground continued to be the mustering point for troops embarking overseas during WW1. The Australian Army used the Parade Ground through to the 1920s, with the Drill Hall being occupied by both artillery and infantry battalions until 1925.

The opening of the new Torrens Depot (the current building) in 1936 coincided with the centenary celebrations of South Australia. The two-storey east wing (facing Kintore Avenue) was added in 1955.

In March 1999, the Commonwealth confirmed it would transfer the Torrens Parade Ground to the State at no cost. The Adelaide University’s Regiment and part of the 10/27th Royal South Australian Regiment occupied the Torrens Training Depot at this time.

During 1999, the Government initiated direct consultation with a number of organisations, including the RSL, to seek their view on the future use of the property.

The ex-service groups expressed the strongest interest in having a presence in the Torrens Parade Ground. Given heritage and zoning restrictions, future uses of the property need to comply with the site’s Adelaide Park Lands zoning which specifically supports public use of the property for cultural purposes. Retaining use of the existing offices reinforces and maintains the heritage values of the building.

In June 2000 the Government supported holding discussions with the RSL, Naval and Air Force Associations and the Vietnam Veterans to explore the possibility that they become the ‘anchor’ tenants of the building.

Future use of the Torrens Parade Ground by the ex-service groups is most appropriate given the use maintains the property’s military association.

In April 2002, the RSL, the Air Force and the Vietnam Veterans’ Associations agreed to occupy and lease part of the building.