State government appoints SA firm Oxigen for UniSA Magill campus redevelopment

A major redevelopment of UniSA’s Magill campus has taken its next step, with more details revealed about the future of the site’s sporting grounds.

The future of an eastern suburbs sporting club is looking optimistic after fears a redevelopment of the UniSA Magill campus would not including sporting facilities. Picture: Tom Huntley

More details have been unveiled about a major redevelopment of UniSA’s Magill campus, with promising signs for the future of a beloved local sporting club.

South Australian design firm Oxigen has been enlisted to lead the project, which will “investigate the possibility for playing fields (and) incorporating community-based sporting clubs with appropriate governance structures”.

Renewal SA purchased the 16ha Magill campus site and two smaller parcels of land to the east of St Bernards Rd, as part of the government’s funding package to support the university merger.

The reassurance comes after fears from UniSA FC members that the Magill Campus Oval, used by about 200 junior members to play matches, could have been closed with only months’ notice as part of the development.

Charlotte and Michael Reimer with kids Bruce, 10, Chelsea, 7, and Luigi, 2, who feared for the future of the eastern suburbs sporting pitch. Picture: Tom Huntley

While the news is optimistic for the popular club, any potential playing fields would be subject to a mix of funding from council, state and federal governments.

Campbelltown Mayor Jill Whittaker said the council would be looking to work with the state government to retain open space for a sporting club.

The state government is yet to set a target for the number of proposed dwellings for the site, but there is expected to be a mix of housing including options for first home buyers, young professionals and essential workers.

The development will also include hospitality, retail and recreational facilities.

Oxigen specialises in urban design, landscape architecture, urban planning and ecology, and will lead a multidisciplinary team to look at key issues on the site.

An aerial view of the UniSA campus at Magill, which will be the site of a major residential redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

Murray House will be retained and preserved in the masterplan, while “significant environmental and cultural elements”, such as Third Creek and the extensive tree canopy, will be at the heart of the development.

UniSA has a lease for up to 10 years on the main campus site before it will transition out of the area.

The main 11ha site will require rezoning and consultation before any residential redevelopment can take place, while a second 3ha parcel of land, east of St Bernards Rd, is zoned for medium density residential development.

Housing Minister Nick Champion said while the university would continue to occupy the site for the near future, it was important the planning process kicked off now to engage with the community about its needs.

“We are going to create a vibrant new community at the Magill campus,” Mr Champion said.

“I look forward to working with the Campbelltown City Council and the local community to develop a master plan that delivers a diverse mix of high-quality homes and public space.”