Cedar Woods seeking land zone change to allow apartment towers from 11 to 20 storeys at Glenside housing development

A bid to rezone land at Glenside would allow a 20-storey apartment tower, as well as others starting from 11 levels. See the plans here.

The first detailed images and plans for what’s likely Adelaide’s tallest tower outside the CBD have been revealed as the developers seek to change suburban planning rules.

Plans for a proposed 20-storey apartment tower at Glenside show a specially-designed, “cascading” building hitting 73m if zoning rules were amended.

Delivering an extra 200 homes for the site, the residential tower would be built in a terraced style to lessen shadow on neighbouring buildings.

It would be one of four “gateway” buildings for a 1.2ha part of the Fullarton Rd site – led by developer Cedar Woods.

More than 1000 homes with a mix of townhouses and apartments are being built across the 16.5ha Glenside development, where the maximum height is 29 metres – or eight levels.

Planning laws need to be changed to allow construction of the four buildings, which would range from 11 to 20 storeys.

It would be the first test of Housing Minister Nick Champion’s move to kickstart stalled plans for high-rise developments at public transport hubs, such as Bowden.

Artist impressions for a proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside housing development, which would require a change to land zone and planning rules. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

How the towers would look from Fullarton Rd. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

Artist impressions for a proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside housing development, which would require a change to land zone and planning rules. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

A privately-led code amendment is now open for public consultation.

The 20-storey tower would face inward to “reduce the impact of the building on surrounding dwellings”, Cedar Woods state manager Mark Pivovaroff said.

He said it was too early in the planning stages to provide the residential size of the apartments.

“The two strategic development sites provide one of the few remaining opportunities to create much-needed additional residential housing close to the city,” Mr Pivovaroff said.

“Cedar Woods is seeking an amendment to the Planning and Design Code to accommodate future development of residential apartment buildings and ground floor community amenities.

“Glenside is well positioned to support higher density housing because of its proximity to the CBD, positioning along key transit corridors, existing retail and employment opportunities, and local services.”

How the apartment towers would look from Greenhill Rd. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

Artist impressions for a proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside housing development, which would require a change to land zone and planning rules. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

The other tallest buildings outside the CBD include the 12-storey Air Apartments on Greenhill Rd and 88 O’Connell in North Adelaide at 14 storeys, while the new Flinders University health building is 10.

Mr Champion, who initiated the code amendment with conditions, said he was unable to comment on it because he would make the final decision.

“There is a rigorous and robust process for any proposed rezoning in South Australia which includes community consultation,” he said.

Cedar Woods will be required to justify the increase in height in relation to the existing corridors and the need to focus on housing diversity and affordability.

Artist impressions for a proposed 20-storey residential tower at the Glenside housing development, which would require a change to land zone and planning rules. Picture: Hames Sharley / URPS

Map of the Glenside housing development area. The area in red is the site subject to the code amendment, where the four towers would go.

A map revealing the proposed levels, and surrounding existing height levels.

Map of the Glenside housing development area, showing nearby tower heights.

It will need to mitigate potential impacts such as overshadowing and privacy.

The code amendment documents say the proposal has been “configured” to build upon the existing qualities of Glenside.

“Careful consideration has been given to ensue existing and new residents have views to open space and the sky, access to daylight is maximised and overshadowing is minimised,” they say.

“The levels and position of the built form has been carved and shaped to minimise any negative impractical and enhance positive attributes: landscape, openness, views, access to sun and amenities such as cafes.”

More than 180 visitor car parks are proposed for Glenside - 39 extra would be required if the amendment was approved, with 90-degree parking considered for Blue Gum Ave.

The code amendment would not remove the need for affordable housing from the affected area.

Public consultation on the code amendment proposal closes October 11. You can provide feedback at the PlanSA site or at one of four engagement sessions at Glenunga Hub.