Major Stirling village transformation could bring 200 new home, shops and wellness centre

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Image of Le Marais France, supplied by developers as inspiration for Stirling East. AI enhanced.

A major transformation could be on the horizon for Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, with plans for up to 200 new homes, a wellness centre, medical facilities, additional shops and a hydrotherapy pool just a short walk from the town’s main street.

The proposed development would create a new residential and commercial precinct behind Stirling’s existing shopping strip, with a particular focus on helping older Adelaide Hills residents downsize without leaving the communities they know and love.

The Malinauskas Government has approved the beginning of planning investigations into the Stirling East Code Amendment, proposed by Stirling Developments, opening the door for further assessment and community consultation.

The proposal covers a 1.4-hectare site made up of 28 separate property titles and could accommodate between 150 and 200 homes, alongside approximately 5,500 square metres of additional retail and commercial space.

Beyond new apartments, the vision includes supported disability accommodation, short-stay accommodation, a medical centre, wellness centre and hydrotherapy pool.

Underground parking is also proposed behind the existing retail precinct, along with the restoration of Stirling’s historic Coco’s building.

A key part of the development is the concept of ageing in place, giving long-term Hills residents the opportunity to move into smaller, more manageable homes while remaining close to family, friends, shops and essential services.

Director of Stirling Developments Jim Petre said the proposal was designed to strengthen the village while preserving its distinctive character.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant and welcoming village centre that retains Stirling’s unique character while providing new housing, health, retail and community facilities.”

“A particular focus is creating opportunities for people to age in place, with access to housing and services that allow them to remain connected to their local community.”

The plans could also benefit eligible downsizers aged 60 and over, who would be able to take advantage of the State Government’s stamp duty exemption when purchasing a smaller new or off-the-plan home valued at up to $2 million.

However, the development is still in its early planning stages.

The Code Amendment process will investigate whether current building height restrictions, which limit buildings to two levels, should be increased to accommodate additional housing and commercial facilities.

Assessments will also examine traffic, parking, bushfire risk, stormwater management, heritage protections, trees and vegetation, and how any new buildings would complement Stirling’s established village atmosphere.

Potential improvements to pedestrian and cycling connections between the new precinct, the main street and nearby Apex Park will also be considered.

Minister for Planning Nick Champion said the proposal could provide more housing options while maintaining what makes Stirling such a popular Adelaide Hills destination.

“This is about delivering more homes while protecting the village character that makes Stirling so special.”

“More homes close to shops and services means more opportunities for older Hills locals to downsize without leaving the community they love.”

Stirling Developments has already undertaken preliminary community engagement, including approximately 14 community meetings at Stirling Library and a public survey attracting 218 responses.

Further consultation will take place as part of the formal planning process, giving residents, local businesses and Adelaide Hills Council an opportunity to provide feedback.

“This has the potential to create an exciting new destination for the Adelaide Hills community, and I encourage locals who have already engaged with the proponent to have their say during the code amendment process and shape this new development,” Minister Champion said.

Importantly, the Government’s decision does not mean construction has been approved. Any future development would require separate development applications before proceeding.