Fort Largs designs revealed, but less homes than originally planned

Designs for the $150m development of the police academy at Fort Largs have been revealed – but there won’t be as many homes as first expected. See the designs here.

More than 30 homes within the $150 million redevelopment of the former police academy site in Fort Largs have been snapped up by buyers, while detailed designs reveal for the first time what the future of the beachfront site will look like.

A $1.5 million beachfront home was among the first sales for the project – known as Fort Largs – after it attracted more than 5000 registrations of interest from potential buyers.

Following an exclusive offering to “VIP” buyers, the first release of new homes went on sale to the public at an official launch event on the weekend.

The development will offer a mix of beachfront homes, terraces homes, land allotments and apartments, while West Australian developer Peet will also restore the historic fort, to feature a cafe, fresh produce market and community event space.

Artist's impressions of housing in the Fort Largs development. Supplied: Peet

About 330 homes had initially been planned for the 7ha site, but Peet has since reduced that number to about 250.

A Peet spokeswoman said the developer was responding to the increased demand for larger properties.

“The density won’t be as high as first envisaged,” she said.

“As a response to market feedback we have increased the number of allotments to accommodate larger family homes.

“Depending on the number of apartments we would expect the project to provide around 250 new dwellings into the market.”

As part of the development, the fort and other historic sites including the barracks and drill hall, will be open to the public for the first time.

Artist's impression of the Fort Largs development. Supplied: Peet

Peet managing director Brendan Gore said nearly all properties released to date had sold, and more would be released to the market over the coming months, ranging from affordable homes to premium beachfront properties.

“We understand why there has been such high interest in this new beachfront development, located in an enviable location and being a part of South Australia’s rich history,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity buyers don’t see every day.”

The first residents are expected to move in from early 2023. Peet is also behind the Lightsview and Tonsley Village residential projects.

Artist's impression of the beachfront properties at Fort Largs. Picture: Peet