The South Australian Government has announced a major rezoning initiative that could see up to 3,000 new homes constructed in the suburb of Smithfield, north of Adelaide. The proposal, spearheaded by Nick Champion, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, aims to revitalise the area through a significant urban infill project.
This new plan is a revision of the original Konanda Road Smithfield Medium-High Density Residential Code Amendment. It extends beyond the initial focus on the 33.5-hectare former barracks site, obtained through the AUKUS land transfer, to encompass a broader area covering 163.1 hectares. The revised proposal includes the Smithfield and Broadmeadows Train Stations, the Munno Para Shopping City complex, surrounding residential zones, and several public spaces.
This expansive approach seeks to introduce a variety of housing options, along with potential retail and open space enhancements. The heart of the project, the barracks site, itself may host between 1,500 to 3,000 new residential units.
By integrating a masterplan approach, the project looks to comprehensively address the needs and opportunities for development over an extended period. As part of the analysis, the plan will consider various factors such as traffic, land use, building heights, and connectivity to ensure the new developments are well integrated with the existing community structure.
Lee Odenwalder, the Member for Elizabeth, said it was important to ensure that long-term planning aligns with the developmental needs of northern Adelaide. He said the strategic location of the site, nestled between key transport links and the primary local shopping centre, which he believes will strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region.
The SA Housing Trust, which owns a considerable number of residential properties within the rezoning area, sees this as an opportunity to upgrade and potentially increase the density of its housing stock. These changes aim to not only provide more homes but also enhance urban design and building efficiency.
Public consultation will become a pivotal part of the process once the initial investigative phase is completed. The community will be invited to offer their input on the proposed changes, ensuring transparency and public engagement in the planning process.
Nick Champion shared, “We have a significant urban infill and regeneration opportunity at Smithfield. There are 33 hectares of vacant land at the former barracks site, while the surrounding areas consist of old Housing Trust stock that needs updating. This Code Amendment will investigate what’s needed to reimagine the entire area and provide a holistic plan for its future.”
This proposal forms one of the many Code Amendments identified in the Premier’s Housing Roadmap.
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