Stebonheath Park slated for future development after Playford change

The next major housing development could finally have a home, after a council gave up an “unsightly” park in a growing suburb.

Private homes could be built on a northern suburbs park after Playford Council decided to revoke its ownership.

The council voted in 2018 to convert 84,970sqm of Stebonheath Park at Andrews Farm to freehold.

Now it has unanimously decided to do the same for the remaining 4457sqm, bringing the park a step closer to being sold for private development.

The latest change means land between Stebonheath and Vincent roads, stretching from Munno Para Little Athletics Centre to the Stebonheath wetlands, will become prime developer property.

A report received by the council, overseen by city assets general manager Simon Blom, said the move aligned with the need to encourage growth in the area.

Land slated for future development at Stebonheath Park. Picture: Google Maps

“Opportunities (for development) may include the sale of the allotments to residential developers, aged care or community organisations contributing to the community,” the report said.

The move had already gained the assent of former planning minister Vickie Chapman last November.

“I am of the opinion that on balance, the revocation will be more positive than not in its effect,” she wrote at the time, following public consultation.

The report said the council had considered the impact on ratepayers and concluded the positives from development would outweigh the negatives from loss of the park.

“There would no longer be an undeveloped, unsightly parcel of land,” it said.

The council vote came on the back of its agreement, made public last month, with developer Pelligra for a sports arena and innovation hub.

The council has been contacted for comment.