The highly anticipated Unley Central project is due to transform Unley Road, after over a decade of planning. This $150 million, game-changing development will is due to become one of Adelaide’s premier retail, entertainment, and residential destinations.
The new precinct will have six cinemas, cafes, wellness centres, medical services, and supermarkets – as well as 130 brand-new apartments. It will be South Australia’s first integrated mixed-use development on a single site… a ‘vertical precinct’.
Rising nine stories high, this vibrant hub will replace the old Target store and adjacent BarZaar bistro, function center, and car park with a modern marvel of urban living.
Two towers of premium-quality apartments will soar above, featuring a mix of affordable one-bedroom units and luxurious residences. Whether you’re a young professional looking for your first home or someone seeking a sophisticated upgrade, Unley Central will have something for everyone.
The prescient will also feature green spaces and up to about 500 car parks.
With 130 new apartments, this development will not only enhance the neighbourhoods appeal but also create over 1,050 full-time jobs and provide around 1,000 additional opportunities for local retailers and suppliers.
The project is a strategic initiative by the City of Unley, leveraging the sale of the BarZaar site and car park to fuel this vision. Owned and operated by Optage, which owns the Target site, and developed, designed, and built by Catcorp, Unley Central is a testament to collaborative community and commercial efforts.
Mayor of Unley, Michael Hewitson says the development will deliver on Unley’s vision for progress that cares for the past as it builds for the future.
“The Unley Central development will breathe life into the centre of Unley with an influx of younger people and will give older people the opportunity to downsize in the neighbourhood they know and love,” he said.
“Unley Central supports our goal to develop the Unley town centre to make it the city fringe retail and entertainment destination that it should be. All the while, we will do it in a way that respects the character and heritage of wider Unley.”
The development will comply with the Unley Development Plan Amendment (DPA), which was finalised after community feedback was sort in 2017 and following a lengthy legal battle with the council.The City of Unley says “the developer has lodged a planning application with the State Planning Commission but Council’s knowledge no development approval has yet been granted.”The Duke Group – the developers – have appealed the recent court decision regarding aspects of the development so there may be further legal matters which could delay the project.”
Mayor Hewitson said that “The development also increases tree canopy cover on private property. I am grateful for the owners support for Council’s vision of a cool green sunlit City. This development shows what can be done.”
Optage owner Patrick Ho said “Unley Central will be a magnet for young and old to make the most of life in Unley. It is a landmark development that literally will take Unley to new levels.”
Catcorp Director Anthony Catinari said the Unley Central development is expected to create ongoing fulltime employment of more than 300 people, not including the cinema and apartments.
“We are helping to design the Unley town centre for people… what people want when they look for somewhere to live, work, shop and feel good,” said Mr Catinari.
“As a proud Unley local, I want to help create something of value in my community. Unley Central will enable Unley residents to move within Unley and enjoy a town centre that reflects what they want.”
“We want to help renew the heart of Unley both for new businesses and the prosperity of existing businesses.”
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