The State Government will investigate the possibility of acquiring defence sites at four key locations across Adelaide that have been deemed surplus to requirements by the Commonwealth Government.
The Albanese Labor Government has committed to major defence reforms, including the divestment of 64 underutilised sites to modernise the Defence estate and reduce unsustainable maintenance burdens.
In South Australia, these sites are:
- Woodside Barracks – 145-hectare site at Nairne Road, Woodside (36km from Adelaide CBD)
- Warradale Barracks – 23-hectare site on the corner of Oaklands and Morphett Roads (11km south of Adelaide CBD)
- Hampstead Barracks – 7-hectare site at Muller Road, Greenacres (9km north-east of Adelaide CBD)
- Edinburgh Parks – 7-hectare site at West Avenue, Edinburgh (32km north of Adelaide CBD)
Any remaining defence personnel currently working at any of these sites would relocate to the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.
All four sites have potential as strategic infill sites which would allow the Government to build homes, create open space, allow for employment land and build community facilities and infrastructure.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has adopted a strategy of infill at key strategic locations across Adelaide, like the former West End Brewery site (now Southwark Grounds), Prospect Corner, Magill and Noarlunga.
This has allowed for increasing housing supply and open community space while thoughtfully building entire suburbs and communities, allowing homes to be delivered better and quicker.
Renewal SA will now investigate strategic opportunities for the four sites, which following feasibility studies may include acquiring and master planning the sites, adding to its growing portfolio of urban renewal projects on defence land.
Early investigations into the possible reuse and development of the Keswick Barracks are also expected to begin in the coming years after the Malinauskas Government announced Renewal SA would take ownership of the site in 2023.
It came into state ownership along with a parcel of defence land at Smithfield following a land swap arrangement with the Commonwealth, in exchange for state government owned land at Osborne to accommodate the needs of the AUKUS project.
Quotes
Attributable to Nick Champion
Our Government has acquired several key sites across Adelaide, with a vision to bring new communities to life and deliver homes for South Australians at pace.
Take Southwark Grounds for example. That is now lauded as one of the nation’s most exciting urban development projects, with homes already taking shape.
There is no doubt these four sites present an incredible opportunity for thoughtful development for residential and employment projects.
The next step is to undertake the investigations to see if that is an opportunity that can be realised.
We will continue to look at every location to capitalise on delivering more homes, community space and facilities for South Australians.
