AAMI Stadium housing plan to create 1100 jobs

A HOUSING estate planned for the AAMI Stadium precinct will inject $1 billion into the local economy and create about 1100 jobs, its developer says.

A HOUSING estate planned for the AAMI Stadium precinct will inject $1 billion into the local economy and create about 1100 jobs, its developer says.

Commercial & General project director Chris Menz said the first stage of the 10-year, 1600-home development would likely start by the end of this year, subject to approval.

It would include building more than 100 homes on Max Basheer Reserve, between West Lakes Blvd and Brebner Drive.

There would be a mix of residential properties in stage one, including apartments, terrace housing and detached homes.

Mr Menz this week released the details to The Advertiser in his first major interview since the project was announced.

He said the company would also lobby the State Government for a tram line from the city to West Lakes.

“We believe there is a strong demand for cosmopolitan living in the western suburbs, but there is no supply,” Mr Menz said.

“The first 100 homes will deliver a range of options in terms of housing type and price.”

He said work would be done over eight to 10 stages and would create about 850 jobs during construction and a further 250-300 jobs once the development was complete.

He said there were plans to create a mainstreet and retail hub at the northwest corner of the precinct and a series of parks and walking trails.

The company started the design process in December.

It will now consult local sporting clubs, councillors, residents and business groups before submitting a planning application to Charles Sturt Council in June.

Residents and groups can have their say on draft plans at a series of roundtable meetings with the company, starting on March 5.

“We are meeting with all of the local stakeholders because they are the clients and we want to design and deliver a product that suits their needs and demands,” Mr Menz said.

“Our approach is very market driven and need orientated.”

Friends of West Lakes spokesman Vaughan Martin said he would advocate for more open spaces and better public transport.

“The major concern among residents relates to housing density, a lack of open space and general fear the development will turn the amenity of the area on its head,” he said.

“To ensure this development enhances rather than detracts from West Lakes, there needs to be sufficient public transport and spaces for recreation.”

Charles Sturt councillors Stuart Ghent and Tom Scheffler will represent the council at the roundtable meetings.

Cr Ghent, a West Lakes resident since 1992, said he wanted the development to reflect the character of the suburb.

“That means retaining parks and ovals,” he said.

The SANFL sold the AAMI Stadium precinct to Commercial & General for $71 million in November.

Under the deal, the Adelaide Crows will use AAMI Stadium as its base away from Adelaide Oval.

The rest of the 23.5ha site, between West Lakes Blvd and Turner and Brebner drives, is open for development.

The government rezoned the precinct in November 2013 to allow buildings of up to eight storeys along Turner Drive facing West Lakes shopping centre.