X Convenience pays $2.8 million for old depot site opposite Thorndon Park

A major parcel of public land opposite a popular recreation park in Adelaide’s north-east will likely become a service station under a $2.8 million deal, putting it on a collision course with two OTRs.

The operators of the X Convenience petrol station chain have bought the former Transport Department depot - circled in red - on the corner of Hamilton Tce and Gorge Rd, Newton, for $2.8 million. Picture: Google Maps

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The South Australian family-owned company behind the X Convenience service station chain has paid nearly $3 million for a prominent piece of public land in Adelaide’s northeast.

Andrash, controlled by the Kosmidis family, has settled on a $2.8 million deal to buy the disused transport department depot on the corner of Hamiton Tce and Gorge Rd, Newton, opposite Thorndon Park.

The 6200 sqm block with a 220m frontage to Gorge Rd went on the market in May last year through an expressions of interest campaign.

It is expected the Kosmidis family will build a new petrol station, which would be located between two existing rival OTR outlets at Newton and Athelstone, both on Gorge Rd.

The family presently operate 24 other stations in SA.

The disused Transport Department depot on the corner of Hamilton Tce and Gorge Rd, Newton, which has been sold for $2.8m to operators of the X Convenience petrol station chain. The land does not include the building to the north. Picture: McGees Property

But rumours a petrol station was going to be built next to the popular Thorndon Park had upset some residents who took to social media saying it was a wasted opportunity.

Comment has been sought from the Andrash group.

The sale comes after plans were lodged with Campbelltown Council in March for a private childcare centre also on the Hamilton Tce site.

The investments are the latest in several major projects in Newton, including the recent announcement of a $10 million upgrade of the Newton Central shopping centre on Montacute Rd.

That project, financed by Western Sydney firm Revelop, will include a smaller Tony and Marks produce store and a 96-place childcare centre.

The Hamood family are also making rapid progress in the first stage of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Rezz hotel, also on Hamilton Tce, to include a tapas bar, al fresco dining, cafe and fine dining restaurant.