There was a breakthrough in the redevelopment of the old Le Cornu site on Anzac Highway on the weekend, with the first homes in the $250 million Forestville project going on sale.
Following an expression of interest process in 2022, a consortium of developers were appointed by Renewal SA to develop the highly sought after 3.6-hectare piece of land within the bounds of Maple Avenue, Leader Street and Anzac Highway that will become Forestville.
Commercial Retail Group, Peet and BuildTec together announced the first 27 terrace homes have gone on sale marking the next phase in the site’s transformation, with construction of housing expected to start next year.
Mark Devine, State Manager of Peet said the development has reached a “really important milestone”, with more progress coming in the new year.
“This is a large and complex project that will have many milestones along the way,” said Mr Devine.
“From next year you will see new roads, new parks being built in the precinct, and from June next year you will see homes start coming out of the ground.”
The first terraces expected to be complete in 2026 will overlook shared open space and boast luxury interiors filled with natural light, three bedrooms, rooftop terrace gardens, internal courtyards, double off-street parking and provisions for battery storage and EV charging.
Forestville aspires to be an iconic Adelaide landmark delivering more than just housing and hopes to be a destination for residents and visitors alike.
With a total 71 terrace homes and 250 apartments planned for area, some of which will be reserved for short stay accommodation, six distinctive precincts are set to offer residents and visitors a market square with Adelaide’s Finest supermarket, a unique rooftop urban farm, open-air cafes, eateries, education facilities and specialist retailers.
Emily Gibson, Renewal SA’s Director of Partnerships and New Projects, said the collaboration between the government and the private sector had resulted in an outstanding outcome for the community and prospective buyers.
“When Renewal SA acquired the old Le Cornu site, we wanted to deliver something special for the market and the community,” Ms Gibson said.
“We think the community, neighbours and local businesses will be really pleased with the Forestville project and what it will deliver for prospective buyers and the local area.”
The opening of Forestville’s ‘Demonstration Space’ was also announced on the weekend, an immersive destination acting as the developments sales and information centre, where people can see and experience its vision.
Located across the road at 58 Maple Avenue, prospective buyers and the surrounding community can experience what’s to come at Forestville by viewing scaled 3D prints, speaking to sales agents, grabbing some groceries, and relaxing with a coffee.
Spero Chapley, Director of Commercial Retail Group who are the masterminds behind Frewville and Pasadena Foodland, said Forestville was “all about people” and “connecting them to placemaking”.
“It was really important that all stakeholders could come and understand what we’re doing,” he said.
“We have been working hard over the past year with our design team to further develop our plans, which will now be on display for the community to view at the immersive Forestville Demonstration Space.”
“We want to engage with potential tenants, with the community as a whole, and with purchasers of housing as well.”
The multi-purpose space will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am until 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. It’s cafe ‘Pop Pom’ will be open from 7am until 3pm daily.
More information about Forestville and the demonstration space can be found at forestville.com.au