Adelaide’s north is set to become the city’s next major growth front, with the SA Government commencing a significant planning process that will unlock thousands of new homes alongside one of South Australia’s largest investments in public open space.
A proposed rezoning initiated this week will pave the way for approximately 16,000 new homes across the Kudla Growth Area and surrounding land, far exceeding earlier projections and providing a long-term boost to housing supply and diversity in the region. The planning amendment spans around 2,480 hectares across the Town of Gawler, City of Playford and Light Regional Council, and is designed to support well-serviced neighbourhoods with access to infrastructure, jobs and high-quality green space.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the rezoning marked “a significant milestone in creating the north’s next major urban growth front,” adding that “the foundations are now set for Kudla to flourish over the coming years.” He said delivering housing at this scale requires long-term thinking, noting that “building 16,000 more homes for South Australians in the future will only be possible with thoughtful urban planning today.”
The proposed rezoning will be underpinned by a detailed Structure Plan, setting out a strategic framework for land use, infrastructure delivery and community facilities. This will ensure future development supports long-term greening, biodiversity outcomes and community wellbeing, while making the most of existing assets already serving the area.
“Kudla is already serviced by public transport, the Northern Expressway and access to water infrastructure,” Minister Champion said. “Thoughtful planning will ensure strong east-to-west connecting roads and other critical infrastructure for the region.”
The rezoning forms part of a broader vision for northern Adelaide outlined in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, released in March 2025, which identified the Kudla Growth Area as a key urban growth location over the next 30 years. That plan also confirmed the creation of the Northern Park Lands, a major new open space network designed to grow alongside surrounding communities.
Work has already commenced on the Northern Park Lands Master Plan, following the appointment of ASPECT Studios as lead consultant. Minister Champion said this represented “one of the biggest investments in open space in our state’s history,” with the Master Plan set to establish a clear vision for recreation, environmental protection and community use, shaped by local and regional needs.
Labor candidate for Light James Agness welcomed the commencement of the rezoning process, describing it as “a significant milestone” for the area. He said the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan had provided “clarity and certainty over the future of the southern areas of Gawler,” allowing the community to work with government to bring the vision to life.
“The Northern Parklands will be a treasured asset for our community providing new facilities and open space,” Mr Agness said, adding that new housing in Kudla, leveraging existing infrastructure, would support “the establishment of a vibrant new community.”
Comprehensive consultation on both the rezoning and the Northern Park Lands Master Plan is scheduled for 2026, with the rezoning process proposed to be finalised in late 2027.
