An Adelaide-based developer will deliver 20 serviced allotments and 10 Government worker homes in Whyalla, some for essential workers, following a competitive sales process by Renewal SA.
Urbanlux, which is responsible for several small and large developments across Adelaide and regional South Australia, has secured 1.7 hectares of state government land at Kloeden Reserve.
This is its first investment in the regional city.
The Kloeden Reserve allotment, with almost half a kilometre of frontage, sits within ‘General Neighbourhood’ zoning, permitting subdivision for new housing.
Urbanlux intends to divide the land into 30 allotments and, under a condition of purchase, will immediately start work to deliver 10 houses in the next two years.
These houses will be leased back to the state government for essential workers in education, healthcare and law enforcement.
Viv Chauhan, Director and Owner of Urbanlux Constructions, said this was a long-term commitment and a vote of confidence in the future of Whyalla.
“We see Whyalla and its surrounding areas as having enormous potential, and we're committed to being part of that long-term growth story,” said Mr Chauhan.
“We see Whyalla as a city on the rise, with major investment and infrastructure driving growth and opportunity.
“Our role is to support growth by offering thoughtfully designed homes that balance comfort, functionality, and environmental responsibility - homes that locals can be proud of.”
Mr Chauhan said he was eager to partner with local and state governments to deliver positive outcomes for the community and build the local economy.
“Beyond construction, we hope to contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, engaging local trades and suppliers, and fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders,” he said.
“We also want to invest in long-term partnerships, not just short-term projects - becoming a trusted and consistent contributor to Whyalla’s development story.”
Matt Hunt, Director of the Office for Regional Housing at Renewal SA, said he was pleased to see an up-and-coming South Australian developer keen to support Whyalla’s future.
“Urbanlux has a solid track record of successful and timely residential house and land developments in the regions,” Mr Hunt said.
“We received significant interest in our sale of allotments at Kloeden Reserve, signalling continued external interest in Whyalla despite the recent challenges faced by the town’s primary employer.”
Phill Stone, Mayor of Whyalla City Council, said the sale of the allotment at Kloeden Reserve demonstrated that the town remained an attractive destination for investment.
“The developer’s entry into our market, with a commitment to providing 30 serviced allotments - including 10 houses for essential workers - will help strengthen our local workforce and support our city’s growth,” he said.
The Kloeden Reserve allotment is one of the settlements to come from Renewal SA’s Developer Ready sales campaign, launched in November last year, drawing on investment in state government-owned land across the state.
Mr Hunt, who oversees all regional housing projects for Renewal SA, said the agency's programs throughout the regions were proving successful through a range of pilot initiatives since the office was established, particularly in delivering homes for essential workers.
“Under a 30-home pilot program that launched in 2024, 24 homes have been handed over to healthcare, law enforcement, and education workers in Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Renmark, Moonta Bay and Kadina and another six in Ceduna are expected to be complete by the end of the year,” he said.
“With state and federal governments stepping in to reinforce industries in Whyalla, ensuring the town's continued growth, investment in essential services and housing will be fundamental in strengthening the town's future.”
Civil works and construction are expected to start at Kloeden Reserve next year.