Developer sought for 1000 new homes at Onkaparinga Heights in $750m housing estate plan
Up to 1000 new homes – and thousands of families over the next 10 or so years – are headed to Adelaide’s south as a huge new section of land hits the market.
One of the most significant land releases in Adelaide’s south is now on the market, with thousands of new families set to move to the area over the next 10 or so years.
Renewal SA is now seeking proposals from interested developer partners to build up to 1000 new homes in the first stage at Adelaide’s newest suburb, Onkaparinga Heights, on a sloping greenfield site down from Mick O’Shea’s Hotel on Main South Rd.
The land release is only about half of the potential new homes for the area – an adjacent site is earmarked for another 1000 homes through private development.
In total, the government-led first stage of new homes represent about $750m in market value.
The new housing development is intended to be different and diverse, with Renewal SA seeking visions for the area that may incorporate aged-care, innovative types of housing and at least 20 per cent affordable homes.
Mick O’Shea Hotel manager Heath Johansen called it a “fantastic opportunity for the community and local businesses” and said it would mean more jobs.
“The pub’s always been at the heart of the community, and to have another suburb built effectively around us is amazing.
“Where we were originally just in Hackham, we were a little bit secluded … and this just brings us back into the fold.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to increase jobs at the hotel for the local families and kids and people. It’s a great win for the whole suburb.”
Onkaparinga Heights was created with a huge land rezoning in 2023 that turned 235ha of rural land into housing.
The masterplanned neighbourhood zone allows for townhouses, row dwellings, detached and semi-detached homes and residential flat buildings – and means development can be fast-tracked.
It also allows for a retail neighbourhood centre.
The land, along Main South Rd and Patapinda Road, is about 32km from the CBD, close to Seaford Meadows train station, 15 minutes from the winery heartland of McLaren Vale and Port Noarlunga beach – and is close to the Onkaparinga River and national park.
Planning Minister Nick Champion said SA Water was already developing detailed designs for water networks to supply the development and was engaging with its own construction partners ahead of work starting in the third quarter of 2025.
It is also currently exploring wastewater infrastructure solutions, with preliminary designs underway, in a bid to avoid delays that have hit other housing developments or expansions.
Mr Champion said an “empty paddock” would be turned into a vibrant new neighbourhood.
“Onkaparinga Heights sits in the heart of everything the South has to offer – close to beautiful beaches, the McLaren Vale wine region and thriving community hubs.”
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