10-storey apartments under 1500-home plan around golf course
LOS ANGELES: Boomers are set to be offered a grandstand view high above a quality city golf course.
The skyline opposite the Grange Golf Club will one day dramatically bristle with 10- and eight-storey blocks under a “nation-leading” project to revitalise ageing Housing Trust homes in Adelaide’s west.
First announced in June 2024, Renewal SA is building nearly 1500 homes by 2035 at Seaton, and is now seeking to rezone about 39ha of land to allow about 450 apartments in taller blocks.
Maximum building heights would be lifted from two levels to 10 along major arterial roads such as Frederick and Tapleys Hill roads and east of Pedlar Reserve, public consultation documents show.
Three-storey housing is proposed near existing homes on the south and northeastern boundary of the land – to avoid overshadowing – while eight storeys would be permitted across the rest of the site’s interior.
Under the “strategic” infill, housing density would lift from about 12.1 homes per hectare to 33.7, creating a massive new neighbourhood minutes from the beach.
It would be a generational change for the area, which is characterised by ageing, single-storey post-war Housing Trust homes, 388 of which would be torn down and replaced.
And it represents a huge shift in Adelaide construction, with few 10-storey buildings outside the CBD area.
Glenelg and Glenside have multiple apartment towers, while a four-storey residential apartment building was approved for Lockleys in July.
While the project is led by Renewal SA and SA Housing Trust, Planning Minister Nick Champion has final approval.
“Seaton will become a nation-leading urban renewal project, delivering a brand-new community right between the city and the beach, near public transport and a golf course, for thousands of South Australians,” Mr Champion said.
“Our proposal of maximum building heights of 8-10 storeys in some parts of the Seaton development has turned what was a plan under the previous Liberal Government to build 101 homes, into a plan to build 1452 homes.”
Opposition housing spokeswoman Michelle Lensink said she was disappointed the Seaton redevelopment had been delayed, preventing people from accessing housing, and 101 homes referred to only to the early stages of the Liberals’ plans.
Heights would increase “along transport corridors and near open space” and take advantage of nearby bus Go-Zones and two railway stations.
There would be 450 apartments, 476 medium-density homes and 389 low-density homes.
It includes plans for a significantly expanded tree canopy at the site, 12.5 per cent open space and new reserves created where future stormwater retention basins are planned, as well as walking and cycling paths.
Renewal SA on Saturday opened Karra Reserve, the first park in the Seaton development, as construction continues on the first of 36 homes.
Community consultation is now open until November 19, with a drop-in session planned for the 13th at the Seaton community centre from 1pm.
