Three public reserves will be built at Renewal SA’s Prospect Corner development in a significant boost to open space for future residents, and the surrounding community.
Renewal SA worked with the community through consultation sessions to help to design the parks, recognising the limited open space in the area.
The architecturally designed reserves will account for 12.5% of the development, in key locations.
Peter Gatsios, Renewal SA’s Executive Director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets, emphasised the importance of community feedback and collaboration in delivering successful residential developments.
“We have worked together with the community and the City of Prospect to create spaces throughout the Prospect Corner development that not only benefit future residents but also offer convenience and opportunities for those living in the surrounding area,” he said.
The City of Prospect released its ‘Open Space Strategy’ in 2018, highlighting the need for more outdoor public amenities in the area.
At the time, the ‘Open Space Strategy’ identified the council's geographic area had the lowest provision of public open space of any council in the state.
City of Prospect Mayor Matt Larwood said the council was extremely pleased with the amount of open space to be delivered at Prospect Corner.
“This significant commitment to green space aligns perfectly with our community's aspirations and the goals outlined in both our 2018 Open Space Strategy and 2023-2027 Strategic Community Plan,” he said.
“Prospect Corner serves as a model for future developments, demonstrating how high-quality open spaces can be integrated into new residential areas through collaborative efforts with other levels of government.”
“There has been solid interest in our architecturally designed park facing town homes,” Mr Gatsios said.
“People like the convenience of town home living, and many people want close access to public parks and views of greenery, so we are pleased to bring these premium options to the market.”
Renewal SA commissioned landscape architecture and urban design firm GD Studio to plan and design the open spaces in the area in consultation with local community members and nearby primary school ‘Rosary’.
The consultation process, which started in 2022, collected insights from the community on possible open space uses, including considerations for connections to the Islington railway station, and pedestrian and cycling pathways.
“We are very happy with the designs, and we are confident the local community will be too,” Mr Gatsios added.
The resulting final designs include a plaza with all-weather shelters, accessible seating, BBQ facilities, and bike racks, grassed kick-about areas and garden beds with both edible and non-edible plants.
The year-round usability of the park was secured by a tri-government partnership, with state, federal, and local governments each contributing $3.7 million to upgrade drainage in the area.
The upgrade includes the installation of a new high-capacity stormwater trunk drain to the east of the flood-prone Churchill Road, within Prospect Corner.
Mr Gatsios said the drains have secured even more usable space for the community, eliminating the need for a stormwater detention basin in the central park.
“The drainage project is a great example of how all levels of government can work together to build a more resilient and sustainable community.”
As part of the open space development, Renewal SA worked with the First Nations community and City of Prospect to embed Kaurna names throughout the development, including all three parks and four streets.
Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services, an organisation dedicated to integrating Aboriginal culture into developments consulted on the project, encouraging the use of Kaurna names throughout Prospect Corner.
“Including Kaurna names within the Prospect Corner development not only honours the rich cultural heritage of the Kaurna people but also promotes inclusivity and respect for Indigenous languages and traditions,” they said.
Payinthi Reserve is the name chosen for the main central park and means ‘good prospects’ in Kaurna.
Parkana Reserve will be located at the corner of Churchill and Regency Roads and means bright and sunny, while Wardlu Reserve, adjacent to the apartment site at the southern end of the development, means place.
Streets will include Payinthi Drive and Wardlu Place adjacent their respective reserves, and Wildoo Lane (meaning spirits and connection with the Southern Cross), and Towilla Lane (meaning spirit).
Streets and parks are currently under construction at Prospect Corner and will be complete in mid-2025 ahead of the first resident’s moving in.
Prospect Corner is a 2.63-hectare residential estate by Renewal SA located seven kilometres from the CBD, comprising 208 new architecturally designed homes.
The government-led project, set for completion in 2028, also targets a 7-Star Nationwide House Energy Rating.