Plans for the future of Adelaide University’s Magill campus are beginning to take shape, with locals calling for new housing and aged care while protecting the leafy character of the site.
A new engagement report released by Renewal SA has revealed the key priorities raised by the community during consultation on the proposed redevelopment between April and June this year.
The feedback broadly supported a balanced approach to the 14-hectare site, with plans for housing, aged care and retirement living to sit alongside protected open space, mature trees, biodiversity and community facilities.
One of the strongest themes to emerge was the importance of retaining the green character that makes the Magill campus so recognisable.
Residents called for mature trees to be protected, biodiversity enhanced and the Third Creek corridor preserved, with strong support for the Government’s proposal to transform the creek into a linear park.
The proposed green corridor would protect native vegetation while creating a walk-through connection across the site.
Traffic and parking were also among the biggest concerns raised throughout the consultation, with locals highlighting congestion on surrounding roads as development progresses.
The redevelopment will eventually be split across two areas of the former university campus.
The western site, which covers around 11 hectares, is proposed to include aged care and retirement living while retaining significant open space.
Community feedback also supported protecting heritage and environmental assets, maintaining access to sporting and community facilities, preserving Murray House and exploring whether existing buildings could be repurposed for future community use.
Plans for the smaller eastern site, covering around three hectares east of St Bernards Road, include aged care and a mix of housing, including 20 per cent affordable housing.
Feedback on the eastern site was more varied, although residents broadly supported the vision and emphasised the need for high-quality design, housing diversity and development that complements the site’s existing landscape.
The eastern parcel is expected to begin development in 2027.
The larger western campus is a much longer-term proposition, with development not expected to begin before 2033-34 due to the existing lease with Adelaide University.
The latest consultation builds on an earlier round of community engagement held between November 2024 and February 2025, with feedback from both phases helping shape and refine the Draft Structure Plan.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said, “Residents told us they want more housing and more aged care options in Magill, but that they want the green character of the site protected. This report shows those things can sit alongside each other.”
Member for Morialta Matthew Marozzi said, “I have spoken with many locals about this site and the message has been consistent – to protect what makes Magill special while delivering the housing and aged care options our community needs. This report shows both are achievable.
“Residents raised traffic and parking as a real concern and I will keep advocating for those issues to be properly addressed as detailed planning gets underway.”
Member for Hartley Jenn Roberts added, “Our community was given a genuine opportunity to share their views about the future of this development.
“Their voices were heard and they have contributed to the future of the Magill campus, ensuring the site will keep its character and charm for generations to come.”
Their feedback will now help inform the next stages of planning, including decisions around housing, open space, environmental protection, community facilities and transport.
The State Government says further opportunities for community involvement will be announced as planning progresses.
For Magill locals, the next phase will be watching to see how those priorities translate from the engagement report into the eventual plans for one of Adelaide’s most recognisable former university campuses.
