A new plan maps out a greener, more connected future for Adelaide, aiming to protect lifestyle, nature, and housing affordability as the city expands. Here’s how.
Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities – and with good reason. But how do we keep that enviable lifestyle as our city grows and evolves?
By 2050, Greater Adelaide will welcome 670,000 new residents if we achieve our high population projection (imagine the entire population of the Gold Coast moving here!). That means more neighbours, more jobs, and the need for 315,000 new homes.
The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (the Plan) is Australia’s first fully interactive blueprint for how our city will develop over the next 30 years.
So what does this plan mean for you? Whether you’re house-hunting, career-building, or choosing where to raise a family, let’s break it down.
What is the Greater Adelaide region?
If you’re picturing just the Adelaide CBD and surrounding suburbs, think bigger.
The Greater Adelaide Region covers 11,000 square kilometres, stretching from Cape Jervis to Murray Bridge, and from the Barossa Valley to Port Wakefield.
About 85 per cent of South Australia’s population already lives in this region.
Where will all the new houses go?
The Plan lays out where 315,000 new homes could be built over the next 30 years to meet a high population projection– a 49 per cent increase on today’s housing stock.
Here’s some of the new areas that have been identified:
- North and north-west: Around 63,000 new homes in places like Two Wells (9600 + 1,200), Roseworthy (33,000), and Riverlea) (7,700) and Kudla (11,600)
- South: About 9,800 new homes in areas like Victor Harbor (6,600) and Goolwa (3,200).
- Hills and Murraylands: Approximately 23,500 new homes in Murray Bridge.
- Western suburbs: About 38,000 new homes with a mix of infill and strategic redevelopment.
- Metro Adelaide: More new homes in urban renewal precincts like the old West End Brewery site (Southwark).
If you’re hunting for a first home, these areas will offer more choice over the coming decades.
Keeping Adelaide’s food bowl protected
One of the Plan’s big outcomes is protecting 88 per cent of Greater Adelaide’s food production areas, ensuring we don’t lose vital farmland to urban sprawl.
This means your local produce, wineries, and fresh market goods will continue to thrive, even as the city expands.
The Northern Park Lands: Adelaide’s next great green space
One of the most exciting parts of the Plan is the Northern Park Lands – a massive new green space serving the northern suburbs.
Covering almost 1,000 hectares (32 per cent larger than the existing Adelaide Park Lands), it will feature:
- A 70-hectare sport and recreation area equivalent to 31 Adelaide Ovals
- 38km of shared-use walking and cycling paths creating a continuous loop around Gawler
- Over 760 hectares of natural open space for biodiversity and native habitats.
The Plan also has a target to increase tree canopy coverage to 30 per cent by 2055 across metropolitan Adelaide, creating shadier streets and cooler neighbourhoods.
Living locally and staying connected
A central focus of the Plan is ensuring people can work, shop, and access services without needing long commutes.
This means new developments will seek to include:
- Education and health hubs integrated with housing areas
- Improved public transport with dedicated land preserved for future rail and tram extensions
- Better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage active transport
- Transport upgrades including the North-South Corridor improvements and a Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass
What this means for you
- For first home buyers: Increased housing options across diverse areas could ease competition and improve affordability.
- For young families: The Northern Park Lands and expanded green spaces offer more recreation options, with new growth areas including schools and childcare facilities planned for from the start.
- For students and young professionals: More housing options near innovation precincts like Lot Fourteen which align educational institutions such as universities with industry, providing access to emerging job opportunities.
- For climate-conscious residents: Increased tree canopy, protected green spaces, and better public transport align with sustainability goals.
Explore the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan digitally and see what’s planned for your area here.
