Planning Minister Josh Teague announces major changes to proposed Riverbank Precinct code amendment

Public outrage has stopped commercial development, including serviced apartments on the banks of the Torrens and shops on Pinky Flat. See the new planning regulations here.

Public outrage has seen large parts of the heritage-listed Adelaide Parklands saved from potential commercial development.

Planning Minister Josh Teague has announced the Planning Commission had approved significant modifications to proposed zoning changes within the Riverbank Precinct following community consultation.

The changes – which included allowing buildings up to 20 levels high on the banks of the River Torrens – were suggested by government planners under the new planning and design code.

Mr Teague said the government had listened to public feedback, including vocal opposition from Adelaide City Council, the Kaurna people, Parklands interest groups and high-profile South Australians.

“We heard significant concerns about these key areas and have responded by pegging back the initial proposal to better reflect community expectations,” he said.

“I believe we have reached a position that balances the need to deliver important public infrastructure projects while protecting the green space that makes this precinct unique.”

Large parts of the Parklands have been saved from commercial development, including Pinky Flat. Picture: Russell Millard

PARKLANDS ZONING CHANGES IN SHORT

• There will be no change alongside the Torrens riverbank between the Torrens Weir and Kintore Ave, including Pinky Flat. Small new buildings such as cafes, shops and kiosks will not be allowed.
• No residential development, including serviced apartments, will be permitted anywhere within the Riverbank Precinct.
• Sections of Helen Mayo Park with large trees, west of the entertainment arena, will stay within the parklands and not be developed.
• The historic olive grove in Kate Cocks Park behind the Thebarton Police Barracks and land immediately west of the Old Adelaide Gaol near Bonython Park will not be developed.
• Buildings can be a maximum height of two to six levels within the health subzone west of the railway line, not 15 storeys.
• Entertainment subzone will be expanded over the railway yards to provide additional development opportunities. Buildings up 20 levels will be restricted to areas near North Tce, not near the Torrens riverbank.
• Greater protection will be given to Kaurna sacred sites such as burial grounds on Frome Rd.
• More open space and landscaped areas will be created beside the Old Adelaide Gaol, along the Torrens waterfront, around Frome Rd and Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
• Pedestrian and cyclist connections between the River Torrens, Adelaide CBD and park lands will be improved, including the landscaped path along the Torrens waterfront.
• Land north of Adelaide Botanic High School has been kept within the parklands zone.
• The boulevard of trees near Botanic High School will be protected to provide a connection to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
• Active use of the ground levels of buildings will be encouraged to improve safety and public use of the riverbank.

Under the revised changes, a $660m entertainment arena can be built near the Morphett St bridge while a multistorey carpark for a new $1.95bn Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be allowed near Kate Cocks Park on Port Rd.

However, there will be no commercial development permitted on Pinky Flat, residential buildings will be prohibited, a large vegetated area of Helen Mayo Park near the proposed arena cannot be developed, Kaurna sacred sites will be protected and high-rise buildings can only be built near North Tce.

Mr Teague said there had been almost 700 submissions on the proposed zoning changes.

“I thank the individuals, groups and organisations who contributed to the consultation process,” he said.

“Their feedback has contributed to shaping the long-term vision for this important area.”

The proposed Riverbank Arena on the banks of the River Torrens. Picture: Supplied

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the “right decision” had been made to scale back the zoning changes proposed for the Riverbank Precinct.

“I have had many conversations and meetings about this with my members, the community and the state government to ensure we get the best outcome possible,” she said.

“I am very pleased with the revised amendment.”

The proposed Riverbank Precinct code amendment changes.

The final Riverbank Precinct code amendment changes.

Ms Verschoor said elected members were united in protecting the Parklands, especially areas of cultural significance to the Kaurna.

“This is a great outcome for the city and the Parklands,” she said.

“I applaud the State Government for listening and acting on the overwhelming feedback from council and the community.”

Ms Verschoor said the revised zoning changes showed “what can be achieved when we collaborate and have open and robust discussions about the future of our city”.

“With the recent announcement that Adelaide has been declared the world’s second National Park City, the Parklands should be celebrated, not rezoned for commercialisation and development,” she said.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be improved along the River Torrens as part of zoning changes approved by the state government.

Ms Verschoor said the council supported the government’s goal to create a world class health, sporting and biomedical precinct on North Tce.

“We will be involved in a working group to help inform and deliver an outcome to achieve maximum community, social, cultural and environmental benefits,” she said.

“The new Women’s and Children’s Hospital is an important investment for the community which we fully support.

“I look forward to learning more about how we can reinvigorate that area of that city without resulting in a net loss of Parklands.”

Property Council SA executive director Daniel Gannon said the changes announced by Mr Teague were “sensible”.

“They still enable productive social infrastructure to be built around the railyards, namely a hospital and convention centre facilities, while augmenting Adelaide’s status as the world’s second National Park City after London,” he said.

“With more hard hats and steel caps on the ground and with more cranes across our skyline, we can attract more people to Australia’s most liveable city and continue to grow our state and create more jobs.”