A sales process is now underway, led by Renewal SA, targeting the development of hundreds of new homes on a prime piece of land in Adelaide’s growing and rejuvenated northern suburbs.

Ideally positioned near hospitals and health services, shopping centres, schools, jobs, public transport, park lands, and key reserves, Renewal SA has launched a single-stage Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the direct sale of an 8.5ha land parcel on John Rice Avenue, Elizabeth South.

Renewal SA Executive Director of Property and Major Projects, Shane Wingard, said the agency aimed to secure a high-quality and market-driven residential development that maximised the site’s potential while ensuring speed to market.

Mr Wingard highlighted the area’s strong investment potential, saying it had experienced some of the largest percentage increases in house prices and rents in South Australia.

“The site’s central location, bordering well-established residential communities and adjoining the Little Para River Nature Reserve, combined with a streamlined sale process, makes it an attractive opportunity for developers looking to make their mark in a revitalised, easily accessible, and well-serviced community,” Mr Wingard said.

“Renewal SA has moved to bring this to market and give the private sector the opportunity to buy the land and then deliver much-needed housing to this location.

“We have great confidence the private sector can deliver a high-quality and timely development.

“We have deliberately positioned this opportunity to ensure it is easy for the market to participate, while ensuring the timely development of a fantastic project.”

The land, which sits opposite the former GM Holden factory, had been held in reserve for future employment uses connected with car manufacturing. However, the area has evolved significantly in the decade since the last Holden rolled off the production line.

Key developments include the emergence of the Lionsgate Business Park on the former automotive site, the continued expansion of defence industries in neighbouring Edinburgh, the expansion of the Lyell McEwin Hospital and the development of the surrounding Playford Health Hub, and plans for the redevelopment and transformation of Salisbury City Centre.

These factors led the state government to identify the land as highly suitable for residential development and then formalise a code amendment to deliver much-needed homes among a high-quality, master-planned development.

The rezoning allows for a community of 300 new, low-to-medium density homes, of which at least 230 are to be delivered on the Renewal SA land.

Mr Wingard also confirmed Renewal SA would now look to address the availability of employment land through its neighbouring holdings in Edinburgh Parks.

Through the open Expression of Interest (EOI) process, Renewal SA is seeking proposals for the purchase of the site which recognise its significant value, from a developer capable of delivering a project quickly while still aligning with Renewal SA’s expectations for the site.

Renewal SA expects the site to deliver at least 15% affordable housing, and to have timely commencement of construction post-settlement.

Renewal SA would also like to see a minimum 25% tree canopy, a new shared-use path along the perimeter of the land, and significant pedestrian and cycling access.

The City of Playford owns an adjoining 1.1ha allotment within the rezoned area and developers will be encouraged to work with the council to ensure the area is developed in a coordinated and integrated manner.

The sale coincides with the recent extension of Renewal SA’s previously announced multi-billion dollar Developer Ready campaign, which is aiming to attract private sector development, increasing housing supply and providing opportunities for additional economic growth and jobs.

Interested parties in Elizabeth South should reach out to Rhys Newman or Justin Hazell from Colliers for more information and refer to the full suite of documents in the EOI Data Room for greater detail on the requirements to submit an offer as well as the details of the terms and conditions of the EOI process.