More than 60 per cent of the main Magill campus site will be retained for open space, sport and community use under a plan released by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
The draft Magill Campus Structure Plan outlines a long-term vision for a green, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhood that protects community assets and responds to growing housing and aged care demand across Adelaide.
The draft structure plan will be open for community engagement for an 8-week period, expected to commence in April.
The plan prioritises the protection of the Third Creek biodiversity corridor, tree canopy and native vegetation that will surround the creek, with a view to turning this area into a linear park. Walk through public access to Third Creek will be maintained through any development on the site.
It also ensures the retention and enhancement of key community assets, including an upgrade to the gym and protection of the heritage-listed Murray House.
The redevelopment which will be carefully managed by Renewal SA aims to proceed in two stages. Construction on the smaller 3-hectare parcel east of St Bernards Road is expected to begin in 2027.
The residential portion of this part of the site would remain as a 'General Neighbourhood' planning zone, which typically supports low-medium density residential development in line with the existing character of the neighbourhood.
The eastern parcel will target a maximum of 100 new residential outcomes delivered by Renewal SA for market sale with a minimum of 20% affordable-sale housing ideal for young families and young professionals that will be sold through HomeSeeker SA, alongside dedicated aged care and retirement living.
It will comprise of a minimum of 17% green open-space with a 30% tree canopy target.
Development of the main 11-hectare campus site to the west is not anticipated to commence before 2033-34 due to the ongoing lease with Adelaide University and will be subject to ongoing genuine consultation with the community.
More than 60% of this parcel would be retained for community and open space, and will include the Third Creek park corridor and heritage listed Murray House, as well as sports and community facilities.
Aged care and retirement living is also earmarked, but this will be largely built on the footprint of the existing buildings and is subject to a future community engagement.
Building heights on this parcel of the land would be mixed and limited to 5 storeys with assessment to ensure as little as possible impact on vegetation and tree canopy is minimised or encroach on the tree corridor.
The existing Community Facilities zone will be retained across the western portion of the site with a new Subzone to allow for aged care and retirement living.
The existing children's centre would be retained on a long-term lease and further consideration will be given to reuse of existing buildings
The next stage of community engagement will commence in April following the State Government's caretaker period.
Click here to see a map of the draft Magill Campus Structure Plan.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
The Magill campus site represents an opportunity to create a special place for residents and visitors to enjoy in Adelaide's eastern suburbs.
This plan delivers an outstanding outcome – desperately needed housing, desperately needed aged care, and desperately needed open space.
The community feels passionately about the future of this site. It has been fantastic to engage with them positively on the plans for this site and to deliver an outcome that they are proud of and excited for.
Most of this site will be retained for community use.
On top of that, we have been able to harness the land to deliver homes for South Australian families and ageing members of the community, while continuing to preserve the character and charm that already exists in Magill.
As put by Nick Champion
Our Government's draft plan for Magill allows us to deliver on everything the community needs from this site.
It allows for community space, ensuring the Magill campus site remains a hub of activity that is beloved by the community. It allows for housing options suitable for young South Australian families. And it allows for aged care and retirement living that will support Magill residents ageing in place.
The open space will allow members of the community to experience all the benefits that come from being outdoors and connecting with your neighbours.
The residential parts of the development will be zoned as such that they'll need to fit within the character of the existing neighbourhood.
As put by Matthew Marozzi, Labor candidate for Morialta
As a former student and as the son of a cleaner who worked on campus, this site is personally important to me and is widely valued as a unique community space surrounded by a natural environment.
Today's announcement protects the most important environmental and community elements of the site, while also responding to issues I consistently hear from residents, including the need for appropriate housing and aged living options.
I welcome the Malinauskas Government's commitment to a balanced approach, ensuring any new homes comply with existing planning and building controls so the character of the area is respected.
Importantly, this is not the end of the conversation. There will be further consultation with the people of Magill and surrounding suburbs as plans continue to be refined, ensuring local voices remain central to the future of the site.
As put by Jenn Roberts, Labor candidate for Hartley
Protecting Third Creek from any development and expanding it into a linear park leading to better community access is important to me and a win for our community. Importantly, it preserves this area in legislation for generations to come - an area our family calls home.
Planning for aged care and retirement living makes sense. I know how hard it can be to live far away from your loved one's so I am excited to see more local residents will get to age near their friends and family, and I'm excited to hear from my neighbours through the consultation about how we can make this opportunity work best for our area.
The staged approach and the chance to have our say through community engagement is what I have been advocating strongly for. It's the only way to have a genuine, thoughtful, long-term vision that responds to feedback provided by local community members.
It's a long time between now and 2033/34 but I'm glad we are taking the time to get this right, and am encouraged by the Minister's call for feedback now.
Attributable Charlotte Reimer, Magill Matters
This announcement reflects the position Magill Matters has consistently put forward on behalf of our community.
It shows that when communities engage constructively and early, their voices can shape outcomes.
We that the State Government for their collaboration and shared vision, and we will continue to work with them and the local representatives to ensure their final plans continue to genuinely protect open space, community facilities and long-term public value of the Magill site.
As put by Mayor Jill Whittaker, Campbelltown City Council
The State Government has listened to the community and understands the need for more places for people to downsize and age in place. Preserving the historic and natural beauty of the Magill University site is a vital element.
The State Government has managed to strike the balance between public space for all residents to enjoy and the housing the community requires in the future.
Campbelltown City Council is pleased to work collaboratively with the State Government on this important project to get the best results possible.
