Disney starting to build themed housing estates in the US and hasn’t ruled out one in SA
Disney is building its first themed residential housing estate to recreate the experience of its resorts – could SA be next in line? Have your say.
Entertainment
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It might have been a Mickey Mouse idea to suggest South Australia could get its own Disneyland – but could it become the site for a Disney-themed housing estate?
Disney’s theme parks division is building its first ‘Storyliving’ estate called Cotino in California’s Greater Palm Springs area, and is looking for future sites.
Storyliving by Disney was launched last year to develop a series of communities for residential living, designed by Disney’s creative staff, managed by “cast members” and offering the same sort of amenities found in its resorts.
The Cotino estate, in Coachella Valley where Walt Disney himself once lived, will feature 1900 homes, with sales expected to begin this year.
Executive director of the Property Council SA, Bruce Djite, said the concept of global branded and themed developments had merit.
“It may be a bridge too far to bring Disneyland to Adelaide but could we become the home for one of their housing estates?” Mr Djite said.
“Plenty of people in Adelaide are going to think a Disney branded housing community is taking the Mickey, however this idea does spark an interesting conversation about housing and economic growth.”
Mr Djite said any Disney-style development might require certain government concessions.
“Global brands seeking investment locations require friendly regulatory and tax environments, access to deep pools of skilled talent and readily available fit-for-purpose housing,” he said.
The idea of building the world’s seventh Disneyland resort in Adelaide to create a tourist attraction was floated by key state advisers as a “thought bubble” by the now-defunct Economic Development Board, under former Labor premier Jay Weatherill’s government.
Seppeltsfield and Penny’s Hill wineries owner Warren Randall suggested that McLaren Vale would make the perfect Disneyland setting – “wide, open, flat, next to the beach, next to the ranges” – and even said he would make part of his land available to kickstart the project.
However, no site was considered and no approach made to the Walt Disney Company in a bid to secure a licence.
A Storyliving by Disney spokesman said no plans for Australia had been announced yet, but didn’t close its magic castle gates on the idea.
“Additional locales in the US are under exploration and Disney plans to announce more locations in the future,” the spokesman said.
A Malinauskas government spokesman said it was “pulling every lever” to boost housing supply.
“Foreign investment in residential land is geared towards new dwellings and is subject to federal approvals,” the spokesman said.
“SA is the lowest-taxing state per capita on the mainland and was the first state to abolish stamp duty on commercial transactions.”
The 2023-24 state budget included a housing package which abolishes stamp duty for eligible first home buyers who purchase a new home, and the biggest land release in the state’s history.
Interested homebuyers can get additional information at StorylivingbyDisney.com
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