The South Australian Government is currently reviewing a proposal to rezone a section of land on Richmond Road for high-density housing and retail development. The review was announced by the office of Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development. The proposal, named the 12-22 Richmond Road, Keswick Code Amendment, suggests modifying zoning regulations from an Employment Zone to an Urban Corridor Zone. This change could allow for buildings up to eight stories high on the site.
The 1-acre plot under consideration for rezoning currently houses a three-storey office building used as a health centre and a 50-space car park. The suggested revamp aims to replace these structures with a mixed-use development. This development would integrate high-density residential units with retail spaces, aligning with the government’s vision of utilising urban spaces more efficiently.
This site is strategically located on the edge of the Park Lands and is within two kilometres of the Adelaide CBD. Its proximity to the Park Lands, coupled with access to the Adelaide Showgrounds Rail Terminal and frequent bus services on Richmond Road, are said to make it an ideal candidate for higher residential density.
Nick Champion spoke about the site’s potential benefits, saying, “Adelaide has a number of underutilised urban corridors that could be rezoned for strategic, high-density housing opportunities. This land on Richmond Road is on the edge of the city, close to shops and is well supported by public transport. It makes sense to explore whether building heights should be increased to support a new mixed-use development.”
The rezoning initiative also aligns with upcoming residential projects at nearby sites, including the Keswick Barracks and the former Le Cornu site at Forestville. With the central location and existing infrastructure, the location is poised to support significant residential development. Jayne Stinson, Member for Badcoe, reiterated the potential alignment with local development, stating, “A well designed housing development will complement the future residential projects at the nearby Keswick Barracks and former Le Cornu site.”
However, Stinson also noted the necessity of evaluating the impact on the surrounding community. She stressed the importance of scrutinising aspects such as traffic flow, urban design, and the preservation of local green spaces. She remarked, “It’s important the rezoning process investigate the impact on our local community, including traffic, appropriate design and the green space.”
The government plans thorough assessments on traffic and social impacts stemming from the proposed rezonings. These studies will be a part of the broader code amendment process before the proposal is opened up to community consultation later this year. The forthcoming public consultation will offer residents and other stakeholders an opportunity to present their views and engage with the planning process.
The proposed high-density development project on Richmond Road aims to not only enhance housing supply near Adelaide’s core but also to ensure the development harmonises with community needs and the urban landscape. The final decision will likely shape the future residential and retail makeup of Richmond Road while considering the broader implications for the city’s urban development strategy.
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