Plans lodged to allow six-storey housing development at Lockleys

Lockleys would no longer be the envy of Adelaide surburbia if plans to develop nearly 5ha of riverside land go ahead, argue dissenting locals.

A plan to redevelop nearly five hectares of land in Lockleys including a Westpac building and childcare centre into medium density housing for up to six-storeys has triggered a “groundswell” of community dissent, a local councillor says.

Pierson Pty Ltd has lodged a code amendment with the Planning Minister for 25 Pierson Street.

The 4.87 hectare site, immediately south of the River Torrens, currently contains the Westpac Mortgage Centre and the Lockleys Child Care and Early Learning Centre, which has been there close to 30 years.

Since the mid-1990s, the site has been used for offices by a range of groups including IT companies, government departments and banking, a consultant’s report revealed.

“(Pierson Pty Ltd) has a vision to establish a medium density residential development on the affected area,” the amendment stated on the Plan SA website.

The land proposed to be redeveloped at Lockleys.

An overview of the land that could be turned into housing.

If approved, it would rezone the land to urban neighbourhood, allowing “intensive commercial use to a primarily medium density residential use with smaller low scale non-residential uses”.

The zone also allows for developments up to six storeys.

“The future redevelopment of the site in this way will provide opportunities to significantly improve the amenity of the locality and pedestrian linkages to the River Torrens Linear Park,” the application stated.

It would also reduce hard paved surfaces, increase “impervious surfaces” and allow more public open space.

However, West Torrens councillor Daniel Huggett said it was likely to create a “poor development” and has called a snap community meeting for Saturday morning.

In a letter to residents, Cr Huggett said the project would not suit the area and he encouraged them to ensure the State Government “hears our voices”.

“Building a six storey apartment complex on the banks of the River Torrens does not suit the demographic of Lockleys that I have fought so hard as your local councillor to try and keep,” Cr Huggett said in his letter.

“The area of Lockeys is (the) envy of many suburbs given its large allotment/family style living.

“Recent changes to the planning act as well as this development could see our beloved suburb disappear before our eyes.

An existing Westpace building which could be bulldozed. Picture: Google Maps.

The rear of an existing childcare centre which could be flattened. Picture: Google Maps.

“I do not oppose all development as I understand the current housing crisis that we have.

“However, I do oppose poor development.”

He said there was already a “groundswell of support into reviewing this application”.

“We need to ensure the State Government hears our voices,” he said.

“Unfortunately this decision does not lie with council so we need to let the State Government know that this style of development does not suit the area of Lockleys.”

West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon said the council “shares the concerns of the local residents”.

“It is important to note that council is not leading the code amendment to allow a rezoning to faciliate this development,” Mr Coxon said.

“Whether this proposal succeeds or not is at the Minister’s discretion.”