Developers want site of old Women’s and Children’s Hospital for residential, mixed use

The old Women’s and Children’s hospital site – a premier piece of North Adelaide land overlooking the parklands – is under the microscope as developers have their say.

A mixed-use development of residential, commercial and retail must be considered for one of Adelaide’s premier locations overlooking the parklands to increase the city’s population and ease the state’s housing woes.

A Renewal SA investigation into the future use of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital site is still in its “infancy”, but leading property experts and Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor have outlined their vision for the site once it moves next to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Prominent property developer Theo Maras said it should be used for a mix of affordable, worker housing, luxury apartments and student accommodation.

“It should have a combination of residential, commercial, open space, restaurants, cafes and convenience stores, with adequate and ample parking,” Mr Maras said.

He cited the city’s East End, which was developed more than two decades ago to show how residential, hospitality and entertainment venues can work together.

In response to possible opposition from anti-development North Adelaide residents, he said: “It’s time the few elite stop whingeing and let other people enjoy the privileges of North Adelaide.”

The new $1.9bn Women’s and Children’s Hospital (nWCH).

Property Council SA chief Daniel Gannon said if Adelaide wanted to be known as a “smart and contemporary city, then we must make smart, contemporary decisions” on developments.

“The WCH site – flanked by iconic parklands, the Adelaide Oval, River Torrens and close access to public transport – is one of South Australia’s most exciting development opportunities, particularly in the midst of a housing supply crisis,” Mr Gannon said.

“The Property Council is a strong advocate of transit-oriented development, and understands the need to create compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centred around public transport routes. This site ticks all the boxes and will be attractive to developers, investors and purchasers alike.”

Property Council of Australia South Australia executive director Daniel Gannon . Picture: Sam Wundke)

, Property developer and Adelaide Central Market Authority chairman Theo Maras. Picture: Supplied,

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the Adelaide City Council did not have a formal position on the site’s use, but it wanted to be included in discussions on any future plans.

“We’re trying to extend the diversity of housing options (in the city), so it makes perfect sense to do something mixed-use,” Ms Verschoor said.

She said while the council was trying to be aggressive in growing its population, the site’s two heritage buildings – the Angas and Allan Campbell buildings – must be protected.

“ It’ll become more and more important to the lifestyle and the place we live,” she said.

The current Women's and Children's Hospital in North Adelaide. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

A Renewal SA spokesperson said a number of options “would be considered appropriate and viable for a site of this size and location”.

“All conceptual thinking to date assumes the retention and adaptive re-use of the two state heritage-listed buildings on the site,” the spokesperson said.

The new 12-storey WCH hospital is anticipated to open in 2027, however a change in government has prompted a review of the project.

Initial costings have blown out $1.95bn to $2.1bn.

Treasurer Stephen Mulligan declined to comment and was asked whether the government would consider selling the North Adelaide site to a private developer to fund the cost blowout.