An $80m plan to redevelop Castle Plaza gets Marion Council support

AN $80 million vision to double the size of a popular shopping centre in Adelaide’s west is a step closer as the local council backs the plan — with one condition.

AN $80 million vision to double the size of Castle Plaza Shopping Centre in Edwardstown has received the formal backing of Marion Council.

The plans, first mooted five years ago, include turning Raglan Tce into an outdoor mall with cafes and shops, and building high-density housing behind the centre.

The redevelopment also proposes a train station between Edwardstown and Woodlands Park.

Council’s backing comes in the form of supporting a development plan amendment for the project.

Councillors voted to support the amendment on the proviso SA Planning Minister John Rau consults them on environmental audits now underway.

Mayor Kris Hanna said while the development would provide a “wonderful boost for the area” it was crucial any contamination issues were resolved before work started.

“Castle plaza is ready for it, young professionals have been moving into the area and the housing stock has improved a lot,” Mr Hanna said.

“We just have that one reservation about the contamination.”

Independent environmental audits are being conducted at the former Hills Industrial factory site, which neighbours the shopping centre and is earmarked for the high-density housing.

It follows work by the Environment Protection Authority in 2011 to remediate the land after contamination was identified.

The auditor’s report is expected in the next few weeks.

Mr Hanna said he did not want a repeat of the Clovelly Park contamination scandal, which forced almost 30 public housing tenants out of their homes last year.

“Although we’re happy for the plan to go to the Minister, we’re not prepared to have the issue of contamination swept under the carpet,” Mr Hanna said.

“In parts of Clovelly Park 20 years ago, problems were brushed under the carpet.”

Jo Patritti, who owns Collins Booksellers in Castle Plaza, welcomed the project progressing.

“We came in five years ago and we were excited about it then, so it’s all the more exciting now,” Ms Patritti said.

“It will be a fabulous development for the area — it will create more jobs, more variety of shops and become a larger community hub.

“Bring it on.”

Castle Plaza management declined to comment.