A major new chapter for South Australia’s ambulance service is about to begin, with crews preparing to move into a brand-new headquarters and high-tech ambulance station at Mile End South.
The $134 million development on Richmond Road marks the biggest infrastructure investment in SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) history. The site will officially begin operations next week, with a community open day on Sunday, November 9.
The new two-building precinct includes a state-of-the-art 6,700-square-metre Emergency Operations Centre and State Health Coordination Centre, alongside a 1,500-square-metre Adelaide Ambulance Station with a modern garage and training facilities.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the milestone represents a major step forward for the state’s emergency health services.
“This new SAAS headquarters and Adelaide Ambulance Station is a key plank in our huge investment in the ambulance service, which is improving response times and saving lives,” he said.
“It delivers a key election commitment and provides a tailor-made home for our hard-working ambos and Triple Zero call-takers to continue saving the lives of South Australians.”
From Monday, November 10, two emergency teams totalling 32 paramedics will be based at the station, supported by four new ambulances. They’ll be joined in 2026 by another 24 paramedics relocating from Ashford Station. The site’s strategic location near South Road will allow rapid access to the CBD and inner western and southern suburbs.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the new facility will make an immediate difference.
“This state-of-the-art ambulance precinct is a huge win for our ambos and South Australians,” he said.
“Our amazing Triple Zero call-takers and dispatchers currently operate from a facility that is outdated and inadequate. Our new precinct fixes that.”
The development also prioritises staff wellbeing, with bicycle storage, breakout rooms, quiet spaces, and dedicated facilities for long shifts. There are earthquake-proof structural features, redundant power systems, and disaster-ready communication networks ensuring round-the-clock service even during emergencies.
SAAS Chief Executive Officer Rob Elliott said the design has been carefully considered to meet both current and future demands.
“The new Adelaide station within the precinct adds to the strategic staging of ambulance capacity for the CBD and extends the support for those who support our communities,” he said.
“Being located on Richmond Road means our emergency crews will have immediate access to both east-west and the vital north-south corridor road networks, further enhancing their ability to respond quickly to emergencies.”
Once the headquarters officially opens, it will become home to the State Health Coordination Centre, which delivers a continuous overview of patient movements and hospital capacity across South Australia.
Members of the public will have a chance to see the new facility for themselves at the open day on Sunday, November 9, from 2pm to 4pm.
Adelaide Ambulance Precinct – Open Day
Where: Richmond Road at Mile End South
When: Sunday 9 November, from 2pm to 4pm
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