More to get a kick from apartment life at AAMI Stadium precinct housing redevelopment at West Lakes
Adam Hegarty
adelaidenow
March 24, 20138:00AM
The area affected by the West Lakes precinct development, and the redevelopment of AAMI Stadium. Picture: Google Earth Source: adelaidenow
Editorial: Saving AAMI Stadium worth a punt
A TREND towards apartment living will drive the success of the AAMI Stadium precinct housing redevelopment over the next 25 years, developers say.
The plan for the SANFL-owned area's rezoning, which would allow about 1800 medium-to-high-density homes to be built, is out for public consultation until April 24.
The league wants to develop its land between the Grange Golf Course, West Lakes Shopping Centre, West Lakes Blvd and Frederick Rd.
The long-term vision includes shops, offices and apartment buildings up to 10 storeys high, as well as parks, plaza areas and pedestrian and cycling paths.
Transport improvements also have been flagged, including the proposed tram extension along West Lakes Boulevard, which will provide direct access between the precinct, the CBD and Glenelg.
Most of the new homes will be contained in two- to six-storey-high buildings.
High-rise apartments have not been easy to sell at West Lakes, particularly at the four-year-old Infinity Waters complex, which still has about one-third - or 24 apartments - for sale.
But Urban Development Institute of SA executive director Terry Walsh said that would change.
"Attracting people to apartment living in Adelaide is usually slower than the rest of the country," he said.
"We're planning for 30 years from now ... we'll catch up to the rest of the country.
"There's a clear trend from younger people to that, so planning for the next 30 years we're talking about people in their 20s now."
Property Council of Australia SA executive director Nathan Paine said the development at AAMI would add more to an already strong community.
"It's really about getting the mixture of uses right," he said.
"The critical thing that's made (overseas stadium redevelopments) work is not just residential but also providing for that 10, 12, 18-hour day activities, such as cafes."
He said South Australians were starting to get a taste for apartments, rather than house and land packages.
"There's a growing segment of the population that doesn't want to mow lawns," he said.
Charles Sturt Council Mayor Kirsten Alexander said she was concerned the plan reduced the amount of open space from 18 per cent to 15 per cent.
The State Government requires a minimum 12.5 per cent of open space for the development.
Ms Alexander said she also was concerned long-term residents knew little about the plan's details.
WHAT'S NEXT
What area is affected by the planned development?
The 23.5 ha area affected is bound by West Lakes Boulevard to the north, Frederick Rd to the east, Brebner Drive to the south and Turner Drive to the west. A small portion of land adjacent to the existing Grange Golf Course, to the south of Brebner Drive, is also affected.
What is the key purpose of the development?
To plan and implement new mixed-use developments that focus on public transport and allow for more sustainable forms of living and working.
Who owns the land?
The SANFL.
How much will the SANFL raise from the redevelopment?
It remains unclear exactly how much the SANFL will raise from the project but latest estimates suggest it could be around $80 million.
What will happen to the Oval?
The existing football oval, a portion of Max Basheer Reserve and linear paths will be retained.
Will the Crows still train there?
Yes. The plan says the retained ovals would be used by the Adelaide Football Club and for other community uses.
What will happen to the stadium?
The long-term vision (11-25 years) assumes the demolition of AAMI Stadium.
How many residences will be built?
The overall master plan vision is estimated to deliver up to 1633 dwellings by 2031. The future population of the precinct is estimated at about 3200.
What are the building heights likely to be?
Most of the development is likely to grade from 2-3 storeys in the east to 4-6 storeys in the west.
How can I see the plan?
Download online or call Charles Sturt Council on 8408 1111.
When does public consultation on the plan end?
Submissions close on April 24.
How can I provide a submission?
Written submissions should be marked West Lakes (AAMI Stadium Precinct) DPA and sent to: Presiding Member, DPAC, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, GPO Box 1815, Adelaide SA 5001, email
[email protected] or fax 8303 0627.
What happens next?
Following the consultation process, the Development Policy Advisory Committee prepares a report for the minister on the matters raised during the consultation.