‘Sell up and relocate’: Rezoning of land across from Morphettville Racecourse allows potential for high density housing to be built
Under a state government plan, 14 hectares of rezoned land opposite a busy racecourse could soon become home to a major new housing development.
High density housing could be built across the road from Morphettville Racecourse under a rezoning of two lots of land where horse stables once stood.
About 200 new houses could be built at the Glengowrie site after the state government announced the land could be repurposed.
Two code amendments allowed the nearly 14ha area at 86 to 88 Morphett Rd to be rezoned from recreation and horse-related use to urban and suburban neighbourhood zones.
The land once contained stables and was used for racing activities but changes to horse stabling have since made the lot redundant for racing.
SA Jockey Club chief executive Grant Mayer said it would provide “the flexibility to explore long-term commercial options that can enhance the viability of racing in South Australia for generations to come”.
Developments of up to eight levels for residential or mixed-use purposes will be facilitated at the site.
Previously, the land for housing had to be a minimum of 560 sqm, with a front of at least 15m wide.
Under the changes, the minimum land size will vary between 250 to 300 sqm and the front can be seven to 9m.
While there are currently no development plans for the site, Mr Mayer said “the potential is significant”.
“We’re excited about what this could potentially bring to the atmosphere of the racecourse,” he said.
“The opportunities this presents for Morphettville and the wider racing industry is incredibly exciting.”
The block would be “a good spot for high density housing”, Marion mayor Kris Hanna said.
“Our consultation with Morphettville residents showed support for slightly higher density in their streets off of Morphett Rd, which may eventually encourage horse trainers to sell up and relocate,” Mr Hanna said.
The rezoning represents a possible “creative approach” to help tackle the crisis in housing supply, Housing Minister Nick Champion said.
“By repurposing land once used for horse racing activities, we’re providing more South Australians with the opportunity to own or rent a home close to jobs, transport and established community service,” Mr Champion said.
It comes after buyers snapped up luxury homes at the $350m Morphettville Racecourse redevelopment in November.
The properties are being developed on 7.5ha of rezoned land between the racetrack and Anzac Highway by Villawood Properties in a joint venture with the South Australian Jockey Club and superannuation giant Hostplus.
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Originally published as ‘Sell up and relocate’: Rezoning of land across from Morphettville Racecourse allows potential for high density housing to be built
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