Windsor Carpark has cost Playford Council 13 times its revenue – but mayor says it will revitalise Elizabeth

Playford Council has been forced to reveal one of its key infrastructure projects is in dire financial straits, costing ratepayers 13 times its revenue.

A letter released to a former mayoral candidate reveals Playford’s Windsor Carpark in Elizabeth has cost ratepayers more than $1.25m since it opened in 2018.

After hearing concerns from residents, former mayoral candidate and Playford resident Shaun Reardon requested the operating costs associated with the upkeep and running of the infamous, $8.5m white elephant.

A letter from Playford Council chief executive Sam Green shared with The Advertiser revealed the carpark had brought in a total of just $105,990 in revenue since it opened – but cost $1,358,412 in maintenance and financial payments.

The Windsor Carpark’s figures for the financial year have not been finalised, but previous years released to The Advertiser show the financial cost of the build. Picture: Colin James

It brought in about $67,000 in the 21/22 financial year when it was used for parking for a Covid vaccination clinic in the nearby Playford Convention Centre and is budgeted to bring in $6000 this financial year.

In May 2020, a council staff report showed the carpark had just 120 paying customers in the first two years, giving ratepayers a return of less than $1900.

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the carpark was needed as “part of council’s broader vision to revitalise the Elizabeth CBD”.

“Its construction was progressed as a strategic lever to attract private investment in the CBD by providing the core infrastructure expected of a central business district,” he said.

Former Playford Council chief executive Mal Hemmerling and Mayor Glenn Docherty have been advocates for the Windsor Carpark. Picture: Morgan Sette

Mr Reardon of Angle Vale said he constantly hears from “frustrated” residents about “the amount of money that’s wasted on behalf of residents”.

“It was built in 2018 and the intention was the carpark was to service the ice arena that was going to be built across the road,” the 52-year-old said.

“They’re just making excuses … they’re basically clutching at straws to try and justify their mistake.”

Shaun Reardon, who ran against Mr Docherty for mayorship in 2022. Picture: Supplied

Mr Reardon said the council would have been better served spending the money on improvements for residents, such as addressing east-west corridors like Curtis Rd.

Ross Pelligra, the developer behind the proposed new Playford Sports Hub and Ice Arena – currently up for planning approval – said the carpark had solidified his company’s investment in the north.

He said their commitment in the area “responds to the confidence and ongoing growth in northern Adelaide”.

“Council’s vision for the CBD, and its foresighted investment in the city’s infrastructure – including the Windsor Carpark – helped solidify our investment in Playford,” Mr Pelligra said.

“Pelligra Group will take a significant majority proportion of the bays in the Windsor Carpark.

“Having the Windsor Carpark built already, has allowed us to design the Innovation Hub adjacent to the carpark, maximising the opportunities for the Innovation Hub.”

Developer Ross Pelligra said having the carpark pre-built has helped cement his interest in the region. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Docherty said the revitalisation of the Elizabeth CBD was part of the state’s response to the economic challenges following the closure of Holden in the Northern Economic Plan.

“This included the construction of the carpark, which was funded by council and supported by state government funding to help stimulate activity in the north,” Mr Docherty said.

“The community has already shown high demand for the carpark during busy periods in the CBD, notably when SA Health’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic operated from the Playford Civic Centre.”

The 2020 staff report said the carpark was meant to be built when the other buildings were completed but council had voted instead to build it first.