Renewal SA has commenced master planning for the Magill University Campus site and is committed to ensuring that key stakeholders and the local community are engaged throughout the process.
A staged approach to community engagement is being taken, with initial engagement in November focusing on the government’s high-level vision, key attributes and opportunities for the site.
Renewal SA announced last month it had appointed leading South Australian integrated design firm Oxigen to create a bold, new, sustainable vision for the future development of the 14.62-hectare site.
Housing is a key component on any future development to meet community needs but Renewal SA is mindful of community concerns, particularly with regards to preservation of the local environment, Third Creek and the tree canopy, and the future of Murray House.
Renewal SA Director Partnerships and New Projects Emily Gibson said the upcoming community drop-in sessions and online engagement were an important step in planning for the future of the site.
It was important to gain an insight into the community’s connection with the site and the broader area and to listen to their interests, concerns and ideas, she said.
“Talking with the community about their ideas and concerns, particularly Third Creek, and the future of Murray House is an important step in our planning process and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the site,” Ms Gibson said.
Feedback from this engagement will help guide the master planning process and the preparation of structure plans for the site, ahead of further engagement in early-mid 2025.
This approach will ensure that the master planning process thoughtfully balances the need for housing supply, while considering neighbouring community assets and plans for public open space and other amenities for the site.
Details of the community drop-in sessions and also how the community can participate in providing feedback online will be circulated to Magill residences this month.
The Magill Campus site was transferred to Renewal SA in late 2023 as part of the university merger between The University of Adelaide and UniSA.
UniSA has a lease for up to 10 years on the main campus site, before transitioning out of the area. A second 3-hectare parcel of land, east of St Bernards Rd has been leased back to the university for the next two to three years. It is not envisaged that any development will occur ahead of the current leases held by the university expiring or the university vacating.