Magill

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.

The 14.62 hectare parcel, 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 will be 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 will be 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, will also play 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.

A Code Amendment process is expected to begin in the middle of next year to rezone up to 14.62 hectares of land at Magill comprising the Magill Campus site, which was transferred to Renewal SA's landbank as part of the university merger between The University of Adelaide and UniSA.

This process will be preceded by the preparation of a project masterplan, outlining the vision and objectives for the future development of the site. Subject to the master planning process which will involve the consideration and treatment of the existing heritage features on site, the land to the east of St Bernards Road may be available for development as early as the end of 2026.

Renewal SA will be seeking private sector leadership and participation at the appropriate time to deliver on future development at this site.

Renewal SA will engage consistently and meaningfully with all stakeholders and engagement with the local community. A staged approach is being taken, with the initial engagement, in November, 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 master planning process and the preparation of structure plans for the site, ahead of further engagement in early-mid 2025.

This approach will ensure that the master 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.