The South Australian government has approved a significant development project that will see the construction of up to 20 storeys of apartments in the inner-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. This decision marks a remarkable advance for Cedar Woods, the developer actually leading the charge on the project. Their goal is to transform the former Glenside Hospital site into an exceptional, contemporary residential community.
Cedar Woods bought the site in 2016 for $25.8 million. Since then, they have been swiftly redeveloping it with infill townhouses and an eight-storey apartment block. In December 2022, the company filed an application to amend the city’s planning code, asking for permission to erect taller buildings. Cedar Woods argued that increasing the height limit to 20 storeys would enable the Glenside development to reach “its full potential.”
The adopted rezoning plan now enables up to 1,200 homes in addition to the previously approved development for 1,000 residences. This smart new building occupies a prominent position at the intersection of Fullarton and Greenhill roads. It adjoins the south-eastern parklands, providing future residents direct access to both natural and urban surroundings.
Community Reactions
The move has been met with divided opinions from area residents and community organizations. Angry local residents then established the Glenside Development Action Group. They are against the rezoning, arguing that such a move would raise traffic levels and stress area infrastructure. Craig Pickering, a member of the working group and a frequent bike commuter, highlighted his worries about traffic gridlock.
“It’s quite simply unfair for the thousands of people who’ve bought into this development on the basis of a very different plan.” – Craig Pickering
Pickering highlighted the parking issues in the district. He observed that guests to his multi-unit building often resort to nearby parking garages due to the lack of street space. He pointed out that existing infrastructure is “crumbling already,” sounding alarms about the prospect of new developments exacerbating these challenges.
Local Member of Parliament Jack Batty charters these sentiments to the tee. He argues that the government has flat out “disregarded” the community’s desires. He stated, “I weighed all of that in the decision I made and obviously the department did too,” referring to the considerations taken during the rezoning process.
Developer’s Perspective
Cedar Woods’ Chief Operating Officer Patrick Archer defended the company’s proposal, emphasizing that it was developed after a thorough consultation process that included community feedback. Archer mentioned that this amendment is crucial for developing “a cluster of four buildings within the precinct.”
“The successful outcome of this amendment aligns with South Australia’s Housing Roadmap and is intended to create additional high-quality, contemporary housing options within a connected community, supported by established local amenities.” – Patrick Archer
In response to nearby residents’ concerns, Archer pledged that their designs would allow local traffic to bypass heavy usage. Furthermore, they responded to calls for visitor parking in the development. He stated that “the local traffic network will accommodate the new development,” indicating that potential concerns regarding increased congestion are being addressed.
Liam Golding, chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s South Australian division welcomed the government’s decision. He hopes it’s a sign of more to come—a note of further development in the region. He warned that the effects of underdevelopment might be felt for decades to come.
“If we have underdevelopment now, we’ll regret it for years to come where we go ‘we could have had some more people living there in such a perfect location.’” – Liam Golding
Next Steps in the Process
Cedar Woods has now been granted the rezoning approval. It now must go back and get additional approval from the State Planning Commission before proceeding with its final development proposal. That company will need to commit to meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. They will seek to incorporate the concerns raised by community members as they work to refine their plans.
As Adelaide continues to grow and evolve, this project at the former Glenside Hospital site signifies an important development in addressing housing demands while navigating community concerns about infrastructure and traffic.
