60 kilometres north of Adelaide, the small wheat belt service town of Mallala is set to almost double its population following a $100 million residential development. Construction is now underway for the development, dubbed ‘Gracewood’.
The community development will see 512 new homes span the rural, 40-hectare site. Once construction is complete, it is expected that around 1,200 new residents will call Gracewood home.
The development has been designed for two specific reasons: to increase affordable housing options, and to support regional growth within the state.
Wel.Co Founder and Managing Director Andrew Welsh said, “We are very proud to be the development partner on the Gracewood project. Gracewood represents an incredible opportunity for homebuyers looking to build their dream home in an affordable, well-connected, and thoughtfully designed community.”
In early April, construction officially began, seeing attendees including Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion MP, Member for Light Tony Piccolo, Member for Frome Penny Pratt, and Adelaide Plains Council Mayor Mark Wasley.
Nick Champion MP explained, “The only way to address the housing crisis is to increase the supply of new homes, and the Malinauskas Labor Government has been in regular communication with Wel.Co to help them realise their dream for Mallala.”
“Gracewood is an example of a development that brings much needed housing supply to a greenfield development in the Greater Adelaide region while fostering a strong, connected community with supporting amenities and infrastructure,” Champion said.
A lush, expansive $1.5 million community park will be the centrepiece of Gracewood inviting its residents to relax into the purpose-built environment and connect with their new neighbours.
The park will include a custom-built playground, fenced dog park, half basketball court, and numerous open green spaces.
A planned wetland with a 2.5-metre-wide shared path will provide walking and cycling access throughout the estate. Jacaranda-lined streets and a proposed early learning centre are also included in the plans.
Adelaide Plains Council Mayor Cr Mark Wasley said, “The Gracewood development at Mallala supports the Government’s Housing targets and gives young families and old the opportunity to live in a rural area with all the benefits of that lifestyle.”
“Adelaide Plains Council’s population is growing rapidly, and there are challenges ahead with infrastructure and traffic management, to name a few, however, we get things done; we welcome Wel.Co in their project that has begun and look forward to creating a growing and welcoming township,” Mayor Wasley continued.
To support the growth of the new community, development company Wel.Co, also behind
Springwood Gawler East, will fully fund a $2 million wastewater treatment plant, developed in partnership with Alano Utilities and the Adelaide Plains Council.
The plant will relieve pressure on the existing local system and has been designed to accommodate future development. Once operational, it will recycle water for irrigation of Gracewood’s open spaces.
“Gracewood is designed to offer more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle. For buyers who have been priced out of the market in other areas, Gracewood is an opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership in a stunning, master planned environment, just a short distance from Adelaide,” said Andrew Welsh.
The first four stages of construction are now underway, with 70 lots expected to be titled later this year.
Demand has been strong, with 102 lots already sold. Lot sizes range from 375m² to 919m², with prices starting at $209,500.
Gracewood representatives say the development intends to support a connected, well-serviced rural community while helping to meet growing demand in South Australia’s regional housing market.
Will this be another step in expanding Adelaide’s footprint to mirror the growth seen in Australia’s eastern coastal capital cities? Time will tell.
The Gracewood development is expected to be delivered over the next five years.
For more information, visit gracewood.com.au.
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