Walker Corporation fast-tracks Riverlea as sales soar

Demand for land in the state’s largest new housing estate has soared, prompting its developer to fast-track construction of a new major retail precinct.

A major retail and homemaker precinct in Adelaide’s north has been fast-tracked on the back of surging demand for housing in the state’s largest master-planned community.

More than 240 house and land packages have been sold at the $3bn Riverlea estate, while hundreds of buyers are on a wait-list for upcoming land releases.

The strong demand has prompted developer, Walker Corporation, to bring forward construction of an 80,000sq m retail and homemaker centre, which will include a mix of shops, restaurants, cafes and open plaza areas.

The developer has also added some star power to the project, with media personality and former 7News Adelaide presenter Jessica Adamson brought in as the ambassador and new face of Riverlea.

New Riverlea ambassador Jessica Adamson with Ben and Tamara Ciampa and kids Nella, 2, and Leo, 18 months. The Ciampas recently bought into the housing development. Picture: Tom Huntley

Walker Corporation executive chairman Lang Walker said land was being sold at a “phenomenal” pace at Riverlea, and construction on the first stage of the retail precinct would start early next year, two years earlier than first anticipated.

“Our project team is working around the clock to bring on the new stages to meet this huge surge in demand,” he said.

“I’ve now instructed our Riverlea team to bring forward development of our first district centre retail and homemakers precinct by two years to ensure our community has sensational shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

“I want Riverlea to be my signature statement and an incredible place which will be revered in South Australia.”

Family buyers have driven the demand for land at Riverlea, and Adamson, a mother of three, was seen as the perfect ambassador for the project.

“Growing up I had lots of room to roam and play and I think it’s so important that South Australian kids have that same opportunity in an awesome community like Riverlea,” she said.

“Riverlea has everything Adelaideans could want to raise their family, boasting quality homes amongst beautiful parklands, lakes and open spaces, with four new schools catering from kindergarten to year 12.

“Those who’ve already bought packages are so excited and I can’t wait to watch their Riverlea dream come true.”

Tamara and Ben Ciampa’s family of four was an early buyer of land at Riverlea.

Ms Ciampa said the big blocks, lakes and parks were all attractive features for her growing family.

“We were blown away by the concept. It was all so luxurious. Within two weeks we

had purchased our dream home at Riverlea,” she said.

“Our two kids are at the perfect age. We’ll be able to teach them to bike through the trails, go out for walks in the park with our dog Bentley - we’re going to be proud to be able to say this is where our kids grew up.

“We drive out to Riverlea once a fortnight to see the progress. We just can’t wait.”

Riverlea will deliver 12,000 new homes for 30,000 residents over the next 20 years, and will feature around 50ha of lakes and 420ha of open space and parklands. Four retail shopping precincts will services the growing population.

The first stage is on track for completion in early September, followed by construction of the first homes. Residents will begin moving in next year.