Villawood Properties chosen to deliver 1500 homes at Oakden

The first images of a new 1500-home housing development at Oakden have been revealed by its newly appointed developer. See them here.

Aerial view of the Villawood masterplan. Supplied by Villawood Properties

Work on a major housing development of up to 1500 new homes at Oakden will start next year following the appointment of a developer to oversee the 10-15 year project.

The state government’s development body Renewal SA has selected Melbourne-based Villawood Properties to partner with it on development of the 52ha site, which will be transformed into a mix of traditional homes, townhouses and apartments.

The first images of Villawood’s master-plan for the site reveals that a retail centre will be built close to Grand Junction Rd, while a community club, central lake, play space and natural reserve will also feature.

Bounded by Sudholz, Fosters and Grand Junction roads – the state government-owned land was previously occupied by the former Hillcrest Hospital, Strathmont Centre and Oakden aged-care and mental health facility, which closed in 2017.

Artist's impression of Villawood Properties masterplan for the Oakden site, with Grand Junction Rd on the right. Supplied by Villawood Properties

The development is the first major project in South Australia for Villawood, which is also seeking to rezone 109ha of land at Golden Grove for a second housing development of about 1500 homes.

The Oakden project is expected to support an average of 320 jobs a year during the first two years of construction, which will start next year, and reach up to 400 jobs in 2024-25.

Villawood chief executive Alan Miller said his company had more than 30 years of experience developing major housing developments in Victoria and Queensland, and “we can’t wait to showcase our reputation for quality, community and affordability”.

“This will set a new benchmark for Adelaide and South Australia,” he said.

“The development will include one of Villawood’s signature community clubs, with a gym, pool, meeting rooms and community spaces to provide physical infrastructure to build a strong community.”

The Villawood masterplan features a community club with gym, pool and community spaces. Supplied by Villawood Properties

It was revealed by The Advertiser in June that Renewal SA was working with a shortlist of developers interested in the Oakden site, including Villawood, local groups Lanser and Commercial & General, and Perth-based PEET.

Under Villawood’s Care Worker Program rolled out in other states, teachers, healthcare workers and emergency services personnel may be eligible for discounts of up to $20,000 when buying a new home in the Oakden development.

Premier Steven Marshall described the project as one of the largest infill development projects in metropolitan Adelaide, and one that would deliver significant economic benefits to the state.

“This development at Oakden is expected to contribute in the order of $460m in Gross State Product during its construction, peaking at $60m in 2024-25,” he said.

“It is a significant development that will deliver a fantastic new community with more quality options for South Australian home-buyers while at the same time creating hundreds of jobs.”

Artist's impression of some of the housing planned for the Oakden site. Supplied by Villawood Properties