Today marks a major milestone in Seaton’s transformation, with future residents and neighbours celebrating the opening of Karra Reserve, a new public space at the heart of the suburb’s renewal.

The first park to be delivered within Renewal SA’s Seaton redevelopment, officially opens today, offering new public areas for the renewed neighbourhood.

Renewal SA’s Executive Director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets Peter Gatsios said the park was purpose-built and would enhance the community as it continued to grow.

“We’ve reached a significant milestone that provides instant benefit for new residents and gives back to the surrounding community,” Mr Gatsios said.

Karra Reserve is named after a significant River Red Gum on its northern edge, with ‘Karra’ meaning red gum in the Kaurna language.

The reserve spans the entire width of the project’s first development stage, bounded by Frederick Road, Glenburnie Street, Lark Avenue and Mathews Avenue.

Designed by GD Studia and built by Camco through Adelaide Innovative Landscaping, the 2,000-square-metre reserve features two large open lawn areas, park benches and BBQ facilities .

Mr Gatsios said Karra Reserve was designed to be a place that enhanced connection, where families, friends and neighbours can come together, hold events and enjoy their new neighbourhood.

Karra Reserve forms part of Renewal SA’s broader strategy to deliver a minimum of 12.5% public open space and increased tree canopy as part of the total area’s redevelopment.

By 2035, a total of 1,452 new homes will be built across the revitalised community.

At present, 36 homes are under construction and nearing their halfway point, rising just footsteps from the park on the eastern side of the reserve.

“Our construction partners are working at pace to deliver these homes, with the aim of welcoming residents early next year,” Mr Gatsios said.

One of the homes currently under construction belongs to first home buyer Claudia Lamberto, who says she’s thrilled with the progress of her build, and the transformation of the wider area.

“Once the bricks went on, the houses started going up so quickly,” Ms Lamberto said.

“I really feel like the vision for Seaton is coming to life.”

Ms Lamberto, a school counsellor in Adelaide’s western suburbs, signed on to build her three-bedroom townhouse in 2024 and is looking forward to making both the house and the neighbourhood her home.

“I’m probably most excited about decorating my first home exactly how I want, with all the furniture and personal touches. I’d love to make it feel like my dream home,” she said.

“I’m also keen to meet my neighbours and be part of a community. I’d love to go on dog walks or visit the dog park with the Seaton community.”

From today, prospective buyers can also register their interest in purchasing one of 13 terrace-style homes located on the doorstep of the western edge of Karra Reserve.

Named the Karra Collection, the homes are being built by Scott Sailsbury Group and span a selection of price brackets, ranging from $730,000 to $1.06 million.

Mr Gatsios said he was pleased to be introducing a more premium layer of diversity into the project.

“Seaton was always intended to offer a range of housing options, and I’m very pleased we can now reveal some of our more high-end homes,” he said.

Work has now begun on the next two stages, replacing dated South Australian Housing Trust properties on large blocks with newly subdivided land that will soon be home to hundreds of new dwellings.

Some of the first homes, located on the opposite side of Mathews Avenue, have already gone on sale.

Here, 27 ageing homes were removed to make way for 62 new dwellings and reserve areas.

“Our footprint in Seaton is expanding rapidly as the suburb’s transformation gains pace,” Mr Gatsios added.

The Seaton redevelopment is a partnership between Renewal SA and the South Australian Housing Trust.

The top-end home in the Karra Collection, known as the Vardon, sits on a 207 square metre corner block.

Its ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area that opens onto a generous corner lawn via the veranda. It also includes a double garage, laundry and restroom.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and the main bathroom. The main bedroom comes with a walk-in robe, ensuite and large balcony.

The top end home is listed for sale at $1.06 million, while two-bedroom homes in the release are selling from $730,000.