About the project

Combining the beauty of nature and the warmth of community, the acquisition of the UniSA Magill campus offers a tremendous opportunity to plan for future residential development that aligns with community needs and aspirations.

Development of the 14.62-hectare site, straddling St Bernards Road, will be guided by high-level development principles to best realise the state’s ambitions around innovation, and growth. These include:

• Enhanced open space and tree canopy

• Improved amenity

• Increased housing supply within inner metro areas with links to public transport

• Diversity of housing typologies including affordable housing

• Integration with surrounding community

• Sustainable design principles

• Cultural and heritage preservation including continued use of Local Heritage (Murray House)

The community is being actively engaged in developing a future vision for a high-quality residential development, with a mix of housing types, supported by a range of community, and recreational facilities. Front of mind is the retention of the local heritage building Murray House, which will be preserved and incorporated into any future project.

Significant environmental and cultural elements, such as Third Creek and the extensive tree canopy, are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the site.

The vision also extends beyond the project’s borders. By fostering pedestrian-friendly pathways and enhancing connectivity to nearby amenities, shops and services, it aims to forge strong bonds within the broader community, allowing neighbours to thrive, grow, and connect.

Embracing the surrounding tree canopy, the Magill development will seek to seamlessly integrate with the natural environment, offering residents a tranquil retreat from the frenetic pace of city life. The design will prioritise environmental stewardship, from energy-efficient architecture to green spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and communal gatherings.

Stakeholders and community

Renewal SA is engaging consistently and meaningfully with all stakeholders with the local community. A staged approach is being taken, with the initial engagement, undertaken from November 2024-February 2025, focusing on the government’s high-level vision, key attributes and opportunities for the site.

While housing is planned as a key component of any future development to meet community needs, Renewal SA is mindful of community concerns, particularly the local environment and the future of Murray House. Significant elements, such as Third Creek and the existing tree canopy, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the site.

Feedback from the engagement will help guide the structure planning process and the preparation of structure plan for the site.

This approach ensures the structure planning process thoughtfully balances the need for housing supply, whilst considering neighbouring community assets and plans for public open space and other amenities for the site.