Adelaide Riverbank planning review to allow more ‘strategic' development

Planning changes will allow “strategic uses” of land near Bonython Park, the Thebarton barracks, Adelaide Gaol, Lot 14 and the zoo, the government says.

A review of planning rules to allow more development on Adelaide’s Riverbank, including in front of the Intercontinental Hotel, has been launched by the state government.

The Attorney-General’s department is undertaking a public review of development controls across the riverbank precinct with a view to rezoning parts of the area for projects such as the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Riverbank Arena on North Tce.

The study area includes Bonython Park, Thebarton Police Barracks, Adelaide Gaol, the Biomedical Precinct, Lot 14, Adelaide Zoo and the northern banks of the River Torrens, excluding Adelaide Oval.

The government says the aim of the zoning is to ensure planning controls align with “future strategic land use and built form outcomes”.

A concept image of the proposed new Women's and Children's Hospital. Picture: Woods Bagot

The government will spend $700m on a 15,000-seat multipurpose sport arena, west of the Morphett St bridge, and at least $1.9bn on a new hospital on the western side of the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The rezoning bid – known as a code amendment – is being led by the Attorney-General’s department chief executive Caroline Mealor and was approved by Planning Minister Vickie Chapman on July 16.

Among aims of the proposed amendment are to:

REZONE land between the Thebarton Police Barracks and old Adelaide Gaol to allow for a multi-deck car park for the new WCH;

ENABLE “high quality” public realm and ensure the interface between buildings and the parklands achieves a “high amenity”;

ALLOW “low-scale” development between the Intercontinental Hotel and North Tce;

REVIEW zoning for Lot 14 to ensure it aligns with the masterplan for the area;

REVIEW existing policies within the Adelaide Parklands.

“The code amendment will further support the development of the Riverbank’s biomedical precinct and establishment of additional entertainment facilities,” the code amendment report says.

“It will also seek to ensure policy in the code supports excellent design outcomes along North Terrace and at the River Torrens’ interface with the Park Lands.”

A concept image showing the inside of the proposed $700m Riverbank Arena. Picture: Supplied

The study area does not indicate a rezoning of any part of the parklands, the government says.

The zoning review will have a “particular focus” on the biomedical and entertainment precincts.

Ms Chapman said the Riverbank precinct was an integral part of the city’s identity and a major contributor to its overall vibrancy.

“Its combination of sporting, health, cultural, environmental and educational drawcards help make Adelaide the most liveable city in the country and the third most liveable in the world,” she said.

“It’s therefore crucial that any future development in the area is managed in a sustainable and consistent manner.”

Public consultation on the amendment is expected to go from August to October.