Two major Defence sites close to Adelaide’s CBD are being opened up for housing, with early plans indicating Hampstead Barracks alone could accommodate around 400 new homes.
The Federal and South Australian Governments have today announced formal negotiations over the future of Hampstead Barracks, while plans for the redevelopment of the 12.81-hectare Keswick Barracks are also being accelerated, with Defence now expecting to leave the site two years earlier than previously planned.
Hampstead Barracks has been identified as surplus to Defence requirements, paving the way for its potential transfer to the State Government and redevelopment into a new residential precinct.
Early concepts include a mix of apartment buildings and two and three-storey townhouses surrounding a large public park.
The State Government’s $500 million Housing Fast-Track Fund could be used to acquire the strategically located property, although any transfer will still be subject to negotiations, market value and infrastructure requirements.
Meanwhile, Defence expects to vacate Keswick Barracks as early as 2030, rather than 2032.
Renewal SA already owns the Keswick land after acquiring it through a 2023 land exchange agreement with the Commonwealth, with Defence leasing the site back while its operations are gradually relocated.
Planning is now underway for the site’s longer-term redevelopment, including assessments of its housing capacity, heritage buildings, infrastructure and services.
At least 15 per cent of homes delivered at Keswick will be reserved for affordable housing.
The precinct is expected to eventually connect with major redevelopment projects at Forestville’s former Le Cornu site and the Adelaide Showgrounds on Rose Terrace.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the plan would allow Defence land no longer required for operations to be put to another use.
“We’re making sure Defence has the facilities it actually needs, and making better use of this land, delivering more homes for Australians,” he said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said both sites were well positioned for new housing because of their proximity to employment, public transport and the CBD.
“We need more homes, and we need to build them where people want to live,” he said.
ADF personnel currently based at Hampstead and Keswick will be progressively relocated once suitable alternative facilities are identified, with both governments saying the process will involve consultation with Defence staff, local communities and First Nations people.
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