A major new housing vision is taking shape just minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, with the State Government fast-tracking plans to link three key inner-south sites into one connected neighbourhood.
Led by Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion, the proposed Inner South Masterplan will bring together the former Le Cornu site at Forestville, the Keswick Barracks land, and the Adelaide Showgrounds precinct on Rose Terrace, into a single, coordinated community.
The move signals a clear shift away from fragmented development, with a focus on delivering housing, infrastructure, and public space as one integrated plan rather than piecemeal projects.
At the centre of the proposal is a commitment to housing supply, including at least 15 per cent affordable housing across the precinct, aimed at helping younger South Australians break into the market.
The three sites each play a key role. Forestville is already underway as a private development on Renewal SA land, Keswick Barracks represents a once-in-a-generation redevelopment opportunity following its acquisition in 2023, and the Adelaide Showgrounds site will continue as a mixed-use precinct while being fully preserved.
To get things moving, $500,000 has been allocated from the Planning and Development Fund to begin early investigations and design work, with a dedicated master plan committee to oversee collaboration between government, council and major landowners.
“Urban renewal opportunities in locations like this do not come along often. We need to make sure we seize the opportunity,” said Mr Champion.
“By connecting these ongoing developments, we are coordinating the best outcome for residents.”
“This won’t be a piecemeal development, our plan will ensure infrastructure, open space, transport and housing are planned together from the start,” he said.
The broader push comes as the Malinauskas Government doubles down on housing delivery following its re-election, with a $1 billion housing fund on the table, including a $500 million fast-track fund to acquire and unlock more strategic sites.
Bruce Djite, Executive Director, Property Council of Australia SA said it’s a positive for the industry and all South Australians that the government has adopted a pro-housing stance.
“Maximising yield and ensuring once in a generation sites like these are not wasted is critical to addressing the housing crisis,” he said.
“The proximity to public transport, jobs, amenities and green space makes this location perfect for density.”
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