UDIA welcomes new housing plan for Marden

Plans released by the State Government today to redevelop a parcel of land at Marden for new housing have been applauded by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA).

As the state’s peak representative body for the urban development industry, the UDIA says the proposed redevelopment of the 2.1 hectare site along River Street at Marden looms as a good example of smart urban infill development.

“The UDIA has been urging the State Government to release inner suburban land like the River Street site at Marden to provide necessary new near-city housing that appeals to homebuyers,” said Terry Walsh, UDIA (SA) Executive Director.

“We’re really pleased with the redevelopment plans, which represent an excellent opportunity to create a diverse new community adjacent the Linear Park and so close to the city and public transport.

“This land redevelopment at Marden could eventually become a shining example of how governments and the private sector can work together to transform tired inner suburban areas into modern, higher density townhouse and apartment developments to meet homebuyer demand.”

Plans for the Marden site include 158 new homes which will be master planned and developed by South Australian property developer and construction company, Qattro.

This is a breakthrough project with the Government appointing Qattro to deliver quality, innovative, sustainable and affordable housing on a significant infill site. The UDIA has been urging the Government to release infill land holdings like this to allow contemporary infill development.

Significantly, 66 of the 158 new dwellings will be sold as affordable homes through the State Government’s Affordable Homes Program utilising funds contributed by the Federal Government’s Housing Affordability Fund, which provides grants to state, territory and local governments to work with the private sector to reduce housing-related infrastructure and planning costs in order to assist new homebuyers.

“The announcement of plans for the Marden site is particularly good news for low and middle income earners who have been given a rare opportunity to buy a new home within 5km of the Adelaide city centre,” said Mr Walsh.

“We commend the State Government for supporting the project with funds through the Housing Affordability Fund, which satisfies one of the UDIA’s policies for such land redevelopments to receive Commonwealth assistance.”

Mr Walsh says the UDIA looks forward to Qattro gaining the necessary council development approvals to proceed with the project, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Established in 1971, the UDIA (SA) represents the interests of the development industry in South Australia in collaboration with all levels of government. It seeks to represent all sections of the urban development sector, including developers, councils and service providers such as engineers, planners and surveyors. As the fifth largest contributor to output in SA, the property development industry employs 56,000 people or 7% of the state’s total workforce, and accounts for almost $9 billion or 12% of Gross State Product.

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Please contact
UDIA (SA) Executive Director Terry Walsh on 0408 704 790