Glandore residents receive acquisition notices from the State Government

More than 100 letters informing Glandore residents their homes might be razed for the South Rd upgrade have been delivered, leaving residents confused and upset.

More than 100 residents have received letters from the Transport Department alerting them their homes could be acquired for the final stages of the North-South corridor.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard confirmed discussions were underway with land owners and tenants south of Anzac Highway for the Torrens to Darlington project, which will see up to 110 homes acquired.

Local Labor MP for Badcoe, Jayne Stinson said emotional residents made contact with her on Tuesday after receiving letters.

“People started calling my office in tears, really stressed out, wondering what this letter was about,” Ms Stinson said.

Residents Nick Tangorra, Barbara Roberton and Peter Henningsen. Picture: Sarah Reed

Local Labor MP for Badcoe, Jayne Stinson talking to residents along Grosvenor Street, Glandore on Wednesday morning. Picture: Sarah Reed

She said the letter – which had been sent to more than 100 residents in Glandore – said their property was “directly impacted” by the South Rd upgrade, and to contact a member of the Department of Transport and Infrastructure named Alex “as soon as possible”.

“Unfortunately when people called the department asking for Alex, they were told Alex was on leave, and to leave him a message,” she said.

Ms Stinson called on more transparency from the State Government.

“Unfortunately there’s just mass confusion about what’s going on,” she said.

“If the government would actually just be upfront with people … it’s very tough but at least they’d have some clarity. It’s that stress of not knowing if you’re in or you’re out (of your home).”

Ms Stinson said no-one from the department had been in contact with her.

She said residents on various roads including Grosvenor St, Glengyle Terrace, Pleasant Rd, Forest St, Maude St, Nottingham Cres and Garland St had received letters on Tuesday from the State Government.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said 110 homes in Marion Council area received letters yesterday, but that the State Government had not contacted the council at all.

It is understood homes in the West Torrens Council area would also be impacted.

“People will be rather shocked by the valuations they will get,” he said and urged those affected to see a specialised property acquisition lawyer.

“I think there are going to be some upset people along the way.”

He said the council had met last night to discuss the situation and whether the popular Glandore Oval would be impacted.

South Road Tunnels – Map showing corridor of properties to be compulsory acquired and bulldozed.

“They play cricket and footy there and people walk their dogs there and we’ve had it in writing yesterday that this round of acquisitions … that it won’t be effecting Glandore Oval.”

Mr Wingard said the department had been engaging with affected land owners and tenants as soon as elements of the Reference Design were confirmed.

“We understand it’s a challenging and difficult time for people whose properties will be impacted and the project team is committed to working closely with them and providing support through the process,” he said.

“From the very start we have been open and transparent about the fact property acquisition would be required.”

He said all those whose properties would be included in this round of acquisitions have now been contacted, and those who have not been can be assured their homes are safe.

South Rd, Glandore

Mr Wingard said a total 390 properties would be acquired for the entire 78km long North-South project, which would see a traffic-free corridor from Gawler to Old Noarlunga.

It includes 63 homes and businesses marked for demolition in the initial stages of the $9.9bn Torrens to Darlington upgrade.

Owners of other properties that are in the path of the upgrade - more than 200 - are expected to be informed by the end of the year.

Shocked neighbours still coming to terms with the news were gathered in the street on Wednesday morning.

Barbara Robertson lives on Forest St and was informed by letter on Tuesday that her property would go.

An emotional Ms Robertson said her restored heritage home was built in 1905 on the site of an almond orchard and should not be demolished.

“I don’t think any houses over 100 years old should be pulled down in Adelaide, we’re losing so many,” she said.

“I’ve spent all of the lockdown doing the garden, the beautiful fruit trees will all be gone.

“I was hopeful that they wouldn’t need to take these homes … there are fewer houses on the other side (of South Rd) so we thought they might go there.”

A copy of the letter sent to residents in Glandore this week.

Ms Robertson, who has lived in the house for 37 years, called on the government to ensure the acquisition process is conducted fairly.

“If we have to leave our homes we need to find one that is equivalent and, in this current market, I just don’t know how we’ll do it,” she said.

“I know it’s going to happen, I know I can’t stop it but I just want people to know what’s happening to my home.”

Peter Henningsen lives around the corner on the eastern side of Grosvenor St and was also told yesterday his home would be acquired.

“It is what it is, of course,” Mr Henningsen said.

“But the house that we’re in, it’s three bedrooms and it was going to be our house until someone carries us out in a box.

“Now we have to work out what we’re going to do but we can’t even start that process until we know how much they’re giving us.”

Nick Tangorra lives on the western side of the street and has not been told his home will be acquired, but said some others on that side have been told theirs will go.

Mr Tangorra, who has lived at the property for 18 years, said approvals to renovate his home were recently placed on hold by the local council, but no reason was given.

He said residents of Grosvenor St who had not been contacted were now in limbo, and those not affected should also have been notified.

“It would have been great if they told everyone at the same time,” he said.

“To leave letters in some letterboxes and not in others is pretty rude.”

Mr Tangorra said the tight-knit community had been rocked by the news.

“Everyone down the street is absolutely miserable,” he said.

“I didn’t sleep at all last night.”

Kate Randell lives on nearby Wellington St and said she had not been contacted about acquisition but had other concerns about the project including the sight and noise of the new road and any impact the project will have on property value.

She called on the government to show complete transparency when releasing information about plans for the project.

“The lack of information from the government has been really bad,” she said.