Civil works will begin within six months on a $40 million residential development at Munno Para, that will pave the way for a major boost in affordable housing in Adelaide’s north.
Approximately 65% of the 249 allotments created within the new Newton Boulevard stage at Playford Alive, will be sold at or below the affordable price point for land, which currently sits at $187,650.
In addition to the 161 affordable allotments for sale, 25 homes will be constructed as affordable rental properties. These dwellings will be leased to tenants at no more than 75% of market rent and be managed by a Community Housing Provider (CHP) on behalf of government.
Construction of the first homes will commence in August 2024, with the first residents to move in by late 2025.
Approximately 150 jobs will be supported each year as works progress.
Renewal SA will master plan and deliver the 16.6-hectare project, as part of the government’s latest major investment in Playford Alive. The new stage is expected to feature a broad mix of allotment sizes providing flexibility for a diverse range of house designs and living options.
The Newton Boulevard development is the latest affordable housing project to be prioritised as part of the government’s A Better Housing Future plan.
It will also act as a catalyst for significant and much needed infrastructure improvements in the area. The state government will support the extension of Newton Boulevard west to meet Stebonheath Road, providing better connections for residents across the suburb, including the creation of a seamless corridor through to Mark Oliphant College and assisting to alleviate traffic congestion on nearby Curtis Road.
The Newton Boulevard extension is targeted to open around October next year.
A planning application has been lodged for the project and Renewal SA will now work with service authorities such as SA Water and SA Power Networks, and its consultants to expediate the construction of the infrastructure required to support this new development.
The new stage will be bound by Playford Lakes Golf Course to the north, wetlands along Curtis Road to the south, Stebonheath Road to the west and will adjoin the existing Playford Alive development area to the east.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the release of this next stage of the Playford Alive project was a direct response to market demand. He said the allotments would not only offer an achievable price point for first-home buyers to break into the market, but all would qualify for the stamp duty exemption, which was lifted to $650,000 in the June State Budget.
“Affordable housing opens the door for South Australians to enter a market under significant pressure,” Minister Champion said.
“These new homes, surrounded by established amenities and transport links, will help meet growing demand in Adelaide’s north as we address the housing crisis.
“We’re not just unlocking the land required – we’re putting in place the right infrastructure to support the local community, with new residents able to access a host of housing measures our Government has introduced.”
Importantly these homes will also provide easy access to emerging employment opportunities such as the AUKUS submarine project at Osborne and the DMMF defence project at Penfield.
Renewal SA Executive Director, Residential Project Delivery and Assets, Shane Wingard said the increase in residential land supply at Playford Alive would bring new affordable housing stock to the area along with fresh partnership opportunities for CHPs.
Renewal SA has an important role to play in addressing the current housing affordability challenges by unlocking land and creating affordable sale and rental opportunities for low-income individuals and families,
Shane Wingard, Executive Director, Residential Project Delivery and Assets
“This latest stage at Playford Alive provides an opening for a CHP to partner with government to manage important rental stock within the development, which will be offered at below-market rents for the likes of key workers so they can live close to where they work.
“We want residents in our communities to thrive, so we are committed to working with the best providers that can create strong foundations for residents, so they feel empowered to participate and ensure they have a promising future. We expect to engage a CHP within the next six months."
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the extension of Newton Boulevard to Stebonheath Road will be of great benefit to the Munno Para community.
“Council has been advocating for the connection of Newton Boulevard to Stebonheath Road for a number of years,” Mayor Docherty said. “It is pleasing to see the State Government integrate this into its plans, providing another route through the area and improving links to the local school, shopping centre and other community facilities.”