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 State 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.

Map of the draft Magill Campus Structure Plan.