Riverbank Precinct Code Amendment

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Consultation has concluded. Below is a record of the engagement.



Have your say on the proposed rezoning of the Riverbank Precinct.

What's being decided?

We are progressing infrastructure initiatives of state significance in Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct including the development of the proposed new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

A review is proposed to ensure the current zoning and policy is appropriate and provides the strategic framework to guide future development. It is proposed to:

  • Rezone land west of the Royal Adelaide Hospital from the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Health Subzone) to support the development of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
  • Rezone land west of Montefiore Rd from Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Entertainment Subzone) and a portion of land already in City Riverbank Zone from Health Subzone to Entertainment Subzone. This will support the development of entertainment-related uses, such as an arena.
  • Rezone land from the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Innovation Subzone) to more appropriately reflect the land use and form of the existing Adelaide Botanic High School and its curtilage.
  • Apply a new Riverbank Subzone in the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to the southern and northern side of the River Torrens between Kintore Avenue and the Torrens Weir to accommodate small-scale development such as cafes and shops (both on-water and off-water) that contributes to the activation of the riverfront, in a way that protects the open landscaped character and heritage values of Elder Park.
  • Update the ‘Concept Plan 85 – City Riverbank’ within the Innovation Subzone to retain the important open space link from Frome Road to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
  • Make policy changes to support connections and linkages throughout the precinct.
  • Make policy changes to support development of high quality and amenity.

Individuals, businesses, organisations and communities interested in and/or affected by the proposed Code Amendment are invited to contribute in the process of preparing and finalising the Code Amendment.

Background

The Riverbank Precinct Code Amendment is consistent with the South Australian Government’s vision for the Riverbank, delivering a world-class health, sporting, educational and biomedical precinct with strong connections to the city centre and reinforcing North Terrace as a premier cultural boulevard.

The Code Amendment seeks to improve accessibility and connections into and within the area, improve built form outcomes, consider land use needs of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and consider entertainment and complementary activities in the health/biomedical and entertainment precincts along the riverbank.

The Code Amendment seeks to rezone three areas immediately adjacent to the City Riverbank Zone - from Adelaide Park Lands Zone to the City Riverbank Zone and apply the Health Subzone, the Entertainment Subzone and the Innovation Subzone respectively.

You can read more about the background in the Engagement Plan and accompanying documents.

The Code Amendment is being led by the Chief Executive of the Attorney-General’s Department pursuant to section 73(2)(b) of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. Community consultation will help inform final recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Local Government prior to consideration whether to approve, amend or refuse the Code Amendment.

Get involved

Read more about the affected area and the proposed changes:

Have your say by:

Attention: Code Amendment Team
Planning and Land Use Services Division
Attorney-General’s Department
GPO Box 1815
Adelaide SA 5001

What are the next steps?

Your feedback will help inform final recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Local Government prior to consideration whether to approve, amend or refuse the Code Amendment.

An engagement report will be published once the consultation concludes.

Have your say on the proposed rezoning of the Riverbank Precinct.

What's being decided?

We are progressing infrastructure initiatives of state significance in Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct including the development of the proposed new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

A review is proposed to ensure the current zoning and policy is appropriate and provides the strategic framework to guide future development. It is proposed to:

  • Rezone land west of the Royal Adelaide Hospital from the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Health Subzone) to support the development of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
  • Rezone land west of Montefiore Rd from Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Entertainment Subzone) and a portion of land already in City Riverbank Zone from Health Subzone to Entertainment Subzone. This will support the development of entertainment-related uses, such as an arena.
  • Rezone land from the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to City Riverbank Zone (Innovation Subzone) to more appropriately reflect the land use and form of the existing Adelaide Botanic High School and its curtilage.
  • Apply a new Riverbank Subzone in the Adelaide Park Lands Zone to the southern and northern side of the River Torrens between Kintore Avenue and the Torrens Weir to accommodate small-scale development such as cafes and shops (both on-water and off-water) that contributes to the activation of the riverfront, in a way that protects the open landscaped character and heritage values of Elder Park.
  • Update the ‘Concept Plan 85 – City Riverbank’ within the Innovation Subzone to retain the important open space link from Frome Road to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
  • Make policy changes to support connections and linkages throughout the precinct.
  • Make policy changes to support development of high quality and amenity.

Individuals, businesses, organisations and communities interested in and/or affected by the proposed Code Amendment are invited to contribute in the process of preparing and finalising the Code Amendment.

Background

The Riverbank Precinct Code Amendment is consistent with the South Australian Government’s vision for the Riverbank, delivering a world-class health, sporting, educational and biomedical precinct with strong connections to the city centre and reinforcing North Terrace as a premier cultural boulevard.

The Code Amendment seeks to improve accessibility and connections into and within the area, improve built form outcomes, consider land use needs of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and consider entertainment and complementary activities in the health/biomedical and entertainment precincts along the riverbank.

The Code Amendment seeks to rezone three areas immediately adjacent to the City Riverbank Zone - from Adelaide Park Lands Zone to the City Riverbank Zone and apply the Health Subzone, the Entertainment Subzone and the Innovation Subzone respectively.

You can read more about the background in the Engagement Plan and accompanying documents.

The Code Amendment is being led by the Chief Executive of the Attorney-General’s Department pursuant to section 73(2)(b) of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. Community consultation will help inform final recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Local Government prior to consideration whether to approve, amend or refuse the Code Amendment.

Get involved

Read more about the affected area and the proposed changes:

Have your say by:

Attention: Code Amendment Team
Planning and Land Use Services Division
Attorney-General’s Department
GPO Box 1815
Adelaide SA 5001

What are the next steps?

Your feedback will help inform final recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Local Government prior to consideration whether to approve, amend or refuse the Code Amendment.

An engagement report will be published once the consultation concludes.

Riverbank Precinct Code Amendment Guestbook

Have your say on the proposed rezoning of the Riverbank Precinct by leaving a comment below.

Consultation has concluded. Below is a record of the engagement.



You need to be signed in to comment in this Guest Book. Click here to Sign In or Register to get involved

I cannot believe that the Attorney General is even contemplating this rezoning. Listen to the people who actually own the park lands – the public that is. Please don't mess with Adelaide's 185-year-old greenbelt legacy not to mention Kaurna sensitivities and climate change imperatives. World Heritage listing of the park lands' unique figure-of-eight design would instead bring many more $s, jobs and revitalise our entire city and regions than any building project. This amendment proposal is TONE DEAF. Time to refresh the politicians and bureaucrats involved and get in more progressive thinkers.

City resident and business owner over 2 years ago

Removed by moderator.

OL Kroozer over 2 years ago

I believe the parklands need to be retained. What is the plans for the all the vaccant land along port Rd. Eg. The Brewery site, the Coke site, the precinct behind the brewery site, the Gasworks site and proposing to sell off the entertainment centre to pay for a city venue.
Why can't we use this rust belt to fullfill some of these so called needs. Surely the entertainment centre can be upgraded. The Coke site could be used to support the the hospitals in some capacity. By the time all the rezoning and feasibility studies are undertaken nothing will happen for decades. Meanwhile the port road Will further decend into a rust belt. Why not repurpose this once icons of southern Australia into something the community can use.
This smacks of political lobbying and lack of vision from a government who won't be around when these projects ever take off

Concerned voter over 2 years ago

The rezoning should be kept to the southern side of the river. Part of Adelaide's charm is that there is parkland all around the city square - this should be maintained and not further diminished.

sparker over 2 years ago

I have already submitted a comment however I want to elaborate further on what I have already said

I would like to know how exactly further encroachment on our parklands emulates the global fight against climate change. Short answer - it doesn't!

What are the plans for the Old RAH site and if not already claimed for development, why not utilise this space?

There needs to be focus on investing in improving our crippled health care systems to avoid ramping at hospitals, decrease wait time in hospital ED’s, provide more hospital beds, improve the mental health care system and well, the list goes on for other areas where the government should be focusing their attention for investment and improvements. Our state has been an embarrassment to our nation because there have been many instances over the months when our hospitals have struggled without any cases of Covid. I fear the devastating consequences if the government fails to acknowledge our failing health systems and proceeds to redirect funds and resources elsewhere while patients are being denied treatment for what could potentially be a life threatening condition other than Covid.

Hasn’t the government and those in favour of the proposed development of the Riverbank Precinct learnt anything during the last 18-19 months of the Covid pandemic? There have been so many reports on the news recently showing many residents in every state flocking to open spaces when being released from lockdowns.Residents have used the green spaces to exercise and enjoy other outdoor activities while appreciating the peace and tranquillity, away from the noise and pollution of the central business districts. Additionally, the government needs to consider how many businesses have already closed down due to lockdowns and restrictions while I’m sure many more are on the brink of closure. Has the government even stopped to consider how many buildings in the CBD are currently vacant and “For lease”? Why not use the vacated buildings that we already have and avoid so many becoming eyesores to those who visit Adelaide? I would have also thought that supporting existing businesses that have been struggling during lockdowns and restrictions would be a top priority so it seems counterintuitive and pure greed to add more.

It never ceases to amaze and disgust me when humans decide they are entitled to lay claim to every square inch of land on this planet, seemingly behaving like they are far superior to any other living creature on Earth when in fact it is quite the contrary because I know of no other species that leaves a trail of destruction everywhere it goes! Those wanting to rezone the Riverbank Precinct need to take a moment to look at lists of extinct and endangered species that humans are solely responsible for, all due to their greed and sense of “entitlement”. They need to have some consideration for future generations because if humans continue to neglect our planet, children of the future won’t know what some life forms are unless they look it up on the internet because there just won’t be any in existence remaining on Earth.

K over 2 years ago

I will agree to this on one condition. I get to rezone Steven Marhsall's place and sell it off, without him getting any cash. Just because I can.

These are NOT yours to sell.

Your Boss over 2 years ago

I think it is a political disgrace that land that belongs TO THE PEOPLE is to be given to developers at the expense of all of our grandchildren.

HillBilly over 2 years ago

Please leave our parklands alone. Please safeguard this asset for the enjoyment of all Adelaide residents and for future generations. Surely our elected representatives in state and local government are under a clear duty to do this and breaching this duty will have consequences at election time. The parklands are Adelaide’s star attraction to residents and tourists and probably investors too, particularly as green issues are likely to continue to escalate in importance, nationally and internationally. The parklands are what distinguishes Adelaide from other capital cities, not only here in Australia but also abroad. I have travelled widely and no other city I have visited comes close to matching what Adelaide already has. It is already “world-class”. In fact, it is in a class of its own and the better for it. Covering sections of the parklands with concrete and glass will surely degrade Adelaide’s status in the world, not enhance it. Specifically, I oppose cafes and shops being erected on the southern and northern sides of the Torrens between Kintore Avenue and the Torrens Weir – there are already plenty of those in the CBD and many are already struggling. Further competition will likely lead to closure of some of them. The arena does not need to be built the area to the west of Montefiore Road, if at all. If it is essential (which I doubt – and it clear from other comments that many others share my view), less sensitive areas, outside the parklands, should be investigated. The proposed car park for the WCH should not be built on the olive grove and surrounding area. Surely this can be located underground. The proposals for the Innovation subzone look fine insofar as they do not encroach on the parklands and are simply replacing space already built on. However, most of the subzoning proposals are out of order and suggest that an unhealthy emphasis on development at the cost of preserving the parklands.

Tim over 2 years ago

We came to Adelaide from interstate in the 70s, attracted by many aspects of Adelaide and South Australia, but especially the unique and amazing Park Lands. It is almost impossible to believe that, all these years later, we are still needing to write in support of their value and the need for their conservation.
The Adelaide City Council is to be congratulated for many recent initiatives to enhance sections of the Park Lands, although Council's dedication to the Park Lands has, unfortunately, faltered on a number of occasions. (A building here, a road there...) However, I note that the Lord Mayor is not in favour of this rezoning proposal.
Many commercial/retail sections of the CBD and North Adelaide languish with empty tenancies. Therefore, it is impossible to understand a proposal to allow yet more retail and hospitality venues to be established. Further, the Park Lands are not simply "empty spaces" to be thrown open to developers to construct another series of high rise buildings.
As the old song goes: "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone". However, many of us do know what we have and are distressed that short-sighted actions by politicians can destroy the amazing legacy that is the Adelaide Park Lands.
PS I note that this page has not been updated since late September. Please put more resources into allowing "YourSay" to be disseminated.

Elizabeth H over 2 years ago

I am not going to take a fundamentalist position of opposition to the Plan. Clearly any progress in this space needs to be done with caution and due consideration of long term benefits and impacts.
Some small commercial development capitalising on the amazing location (adjacent river torrens) could be supportable as an activator of the river precinct.
Proceed with caution.

Nathan Cunningham13 over 2 years ago

I cant believe that it would even be considered to take over this parkland area. We have too many empty office and student accommodation buildings in city we do not require another one. To even consider building a carpark where the olive grove and horses are is beyond comprehension. I do not agree with building a basket ball stadium, fix our health system first. Deal with what's to come with Covid patients, our system is not coping now. New WCH doesn't seem big enough or not planned adequately if you have to take over parklands for car park. There's three large areas near the New RAH that is the old West End Brewery site, coca cola site and the large old gas works at Bowden all completely suitable for the new bigger WCH and could adequately fit a large car park. You don't know what you have until it's gone. This Government and developers relationship has to be called out before they change every thing about Adelaide that is special and our parklands are very much valued by Adelaide residents. Hands off.

JoBro over 2 years ago

Removed by moderator.

Thoughtcrime over 2 years ago

There should be no development on Adelaide's parklands. It is the fundamental part of Adelaide's uniqueness, beauty , heritage and environmental integrity. It should not be a plaything for developers and officials to share the spoils. Long term preservation and vision must be maintained so that future generations can enjoy them.

Thoughtcrime over 2 years ago

Removed by moderator.

Chris Bates Brownsword over 2 years ago

One of Adelaide's major features, it's parklands setting and open spaces within and around the city is being threatened yet again in the name of "progress". The proposed riverbank development and the soulless multi-storey Walker edifice proposed for the Festival Centre is the ordinary sort of stuff and noise you can see anywhere in the world. Tourists come to Adelaide NOT to see that. They LOVE the fact that Adelaide is so different. Why can't the people in charge wake up and realise that THIS is the drawcard not what they propose? Most of Adelaide's population has already worked it out. The lack of vision of our leadership in this regard is appallingly short-sighted and they're obviously not too concerned about their legacy, should this theft of public land proceed . I suggest they get in touch with their electorates - they will win far more votes than they lose by attending to the preservation of this city and its amazing lifestyle. Celebrate the fact that Adelaide is unique and that it's parkland setting is a major drawcard - not just an "undeveloped site". This idea that open space is useless unless it is occupied by a building is nonsensical. We need settings, not buildings, and places for people to walk, sit on the grass, enjoy unobstructed views, and for kids to run around. In many cities throughout the world you cannot do this - and that is what is so delightful about Adelaide. We had friends who visited from the UK - flew first class - could afford anything they wanted. Their greatest delight was to sit on the grass at Colley Reserve at Glenelg (when you could still do that), perhaps have a picnic, and just enjoy the view. They were surprised to find such accessible public areas relatively close to a capital city - and they had travelled extensively.
Colonel Light would turn in his grave to see his vision so besmirched. Adelaide is currently making a bid to be recognised globally as as the "world's second national park city" - rather ironical given the fact that it is second to last of all the capital cities in Australia when it comes to preserving tree canopy, only saved from the bottom space by Sydney which is marginally worse that we are at destruction of our canopy. Not really a position of strength from which to make such a bid I would have thought, and rather hypocritical given this current attempt at covering yet more public parkland with concrete buildings. Please reconsider - once in place, it can't be undone and something precious will be lost forever.

Chris BB

Chris Bates Brownsword over 2 years ago

I believe it is morally reprehensible for any government to even contemplate commercial development in the way proposed. It will certainly not get my vote in the next election.
Caring citizen

Helen Seretis over 2 years ago

The parklands are the peoples.You do not have the right to develop them further.The land is there for generations to come .It is disgraceful what you are proposing.They are what makes Adelaide city beautiful and amazing to live in.Leave them alone.

Eve21 over 2 years ago

Stop the desecration of Light's Vision
The parklands don't have to DO anything, they just have to BE.
The parklands are:
• UNIQUE IN THE WORLD – I have visited many cities around the world, and none have what we have, with greenery all around the city.
• THE LUNGS OF OUR CITY – as per William Light’s design, it is obvious that we need more green space and trees to keep us cool as things warm up and to provide a sink for carbon dioxide, which I thought was part of the push to be a globally recognised City of Parks, rather than looking like a mass of buildings as other cities do.
No more building in the parklands, especially not on the northern side at Pinky Flat etc, where I used to take part in the Corporate Cup when I worked in the city, a wonderful memory of walking along the river in the greenery. The northern side of the river is the view for what has already been built on the southern side - why destroy it?
Definitely no residential buildings!
Ideally I would like the Walker Corp building not to go ahead, as it is far too big and overshadows our beautiful Parliament House. I dream that it will be scrapped before it is too late.
I certainly hope that our elected representatives have the courage to act in the interest of ALL citizens who actually own the precious parklands.

Medicine Woman over 2 years ago

Stop the desecration of Light's Vision!
The parklands don’t have to DO anything, they just have to BE.
The parklands are:
• UNIQUE IN THE WORLD – when I worked in the city, I used to take part in the Corporate Cup, and we met in Pinky Flat and walked or ran along the river banks among the greenery. I have travelled to many cities in the world and nowhere else have I seen what we have here, all of this green space surrounding a city.
• THE LUNGS OF OUR CITY – as per William Light’s design. It is obvious that we need more green space and trees to keep us cool as things warm up, and to provide a sink for carbon dioxide, which I thought was part of the push to be a globally recognised City of Parks, rather than looking like a mass of buildings as other cities do.
PLEASE no more building in the parklands, especially not on the northern side at Pinky Flat - that is the view for what has already been built on the southern side - and most definitely no residential buildings!
Ideally I would also like to see the Walker building, far too big for the site and overshadowing our beautiful Parliament House, scrapped before it is too late.
I certainly hope that our elected representatives have the courage to act in the interest of ALL citizens who actually own the precious parklands.

Medicine Woman over 2 years ago

The parklands are the lungs of this city. Having travelled to 90 countries, the most beautiful cities are those with parks, none of which come anywhere near to Adelaide. So now you have greedy developers trying to reduce our city to be another concrete jungle. Why do you think we have been in the top 6 of the most liveable cities in the WORLD for so many years? It is not negotable to change the laws regarding OUR parklands. Within Adelaide's square mile surely a better solution can be found.
V.L.

jacorl over 2 years ago