Adelaide defence sites earmarked for hundreds of new homes

The Australian and South Australian governments have announced plans to redevelop two major defence sites near Adelaide into residential precincts. Hampstead Barracks has been identified as surplus to defence requirements, with negotiations underway for its potential transfer to the state government. Early concepts for the site include approximately 400 new homes, consisting of a mix of apartment buildings and two-to-three-storey townhouses surrounding a public park.

Additionally, the redevelopment of the 12.81-hectare Keswick Barracks is being accelerated. Defence is now expected to vacate the site by 2030, two years earlier than the previous 2032 estimate. Renewal SA already owns the Keswick land, and at least 15 per cent of the homes delivered there will be reserved for affordable housing.

While housing advocates have praised the initiative, some experts suggest the plan may not sufficiently address Adelaide’s affordability crisis. Matthew Bowes of the Gatton Institute noted that while increasing supply is vital, the city needs to address planning restrictions in established suburbs rather than limiting high-density development to former defence sites. Recent data indicates Adelaide has seen significant price increases, with house prices rising over 90 per cent since the pandemic.