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Adelaide’s inner west could be set for one of its biggest transformations yet, with plans to turn parts of Hindmarsh into a thriving urban neighbourhood featuring buildings up to 20 storeys, thousands of potential new residents and a new lifestyle hub just outside the CBD.
The South Australian Government has unveiled proposed planning changes that would dramatically reshape the skyline along Port Road, creating what Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion describes as a “city outside of the city.”
Under the proposed Inner West Code Amendment, buildings could reach up to 20 storeys in parts of Hindmarsh between Park Terrace and South Road, extending back to Manton, Holden and Adam Streets.
Currently, buildings across these areas are generally restricted to just two or three storeys.
If approved, the changes would open the door to medium and high-density housing alongside shops, businesses and other mixed-use developments, creating a neighbourhood where more people can live, work and enjoy everything the inner west has to offer.
The location is already well connected to Adelaide’s CBD, public transport, employment, education and recreation, making it a prime candidate for significant residential growth.
Outside the CBD, only a small section of the Glenside redevelopment is currently zoned to accommodate buildings as tall as 20 storeys.
Minister Nick Champion said the proposed changes would unlock the area’s potential.
“The inner west sits on the doorstep of the CBD and the Park Lands. It is the perfect example of a somewhere that already has the public transport, jobs and services required to build up and support more housing.”
“Outdated planning rules have stifled growth in the inner west by capping building heights at only 2 or 3 storeys.”
“Unlocking the inner west and a transformation of Southwark and Hindmarsh will see the creation of a city outside of the city.”
The proposal builds on earlier planning changes at the Southwark Grounds development, where permitted building heights along Port Road were increased to 14 storeys.
It also includes changes to car parking arrangements at Southwark Grounds, allowing parking to be consolidated across the precinct rather than requiring each development to provide its own separate facilities.
Importantly, the amendment proposes a 15 per cent affordable housing requirement for developments containing 20 or more homes or residential allotments in the areas being rezoned.
Treasurer and Member for West Torrens Tom Koutsantonis said the transformation could help younger generations remain in the communities where they grew up.
“Creating more density in the industrial parts of the western suburbs will mean kids growing up in the area have the opportunity to stay living locally as adults, helping create strong and vibrant family communities for generations.”
The government says existing planning rules would still require taller buildings to be carefully designed to consider neighbouring properties, similar to developments in Bowden and Kent Town.
The amendment would also correct an earlier zoning error affecting parts of Henley Beach Road, Marion Road and Brooker Terrace, reducing maximum permitted building heights in those locations to three storeys.
Urban Development Institute of Australia SA Chief Executive Officer Liam Golding welcomed the proposal as an opportunity to create more housing choices.
“This is another step in Adelaide growing up. Underutilised urban corridors close to the CBD, employment, public transport, and essential services can be a key part of solving our housing crisis and this smart planning move is a great first step.”
For residents, businesses and property owners, the plans are not yet final, with the community now invited to have its say on the proposed changes.
Public consultation opens Sunday 1 November and runs until Monday 1 February 2027.
Online and in-person information sessions will also be held.
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