The South Australian Government and the city of Adelaide have announced a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s planning laws.

 

The reforms to the planning and development system will unlock millions of dollars in investment potential according to the State Government.

 

Premier Jay Weatherill said the agreement has spelled the end of decades of disagreements between the city’s council and the state government.

 

“This plan was endorsed by the City Council nine votes to one and the consensus represents a new era in State Government and City Council co-operation,” he said.

 

“This reflects a new constructive approach to solving the big issues South Australia faces and adds to the growing confidence in our state’s future.

 

“South Australians are justifiably proud of Adelaide’s reputation as a beautiful city but want it to become more vibrant, while retaining its character and charm.”

 

The planning reforms include:

 

  • a new Capital City Zone providing for framework to stimulate investment across the square mile, while also setting high standards for design excellence
  • A change in allowable building heights
  •  greater mix of uses (housing, shops, cafes, restaurants and offices)
  • better links between ground floors and public spaces and more vibrant main streets
  • better defined boulevards (such as King William, Grote and Wakefield streets)
  • activation of the city squares and park lands
  • innovative development on ‘catalyst sites’ that encourage more vibrant neighbourhoods
  •  quality outcomes with design at the forefront of the planning process through theestablishment of a new city design review panel
  • faster decisions - answers within 10 days of lodgement with design review panel input

 

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister John Rau said the reforms would bring more people into the city, more investment into the city and more jobs into the city.

 

“The city centre is the heart of the State’s civic, commercial and cultural life and must be a place we can showcase the best of South Australia to the rest of the nation and the world,” he said.

 

News Release“The measures outlined in this package represent a significant and dramatic reform to our city planning system, helping Adelaide to maintain and improve its edge as the nation’s most liveable capital city—a place to live, work and do business.”

 

The announcement comes after Adelaide scored the highest review of city infrastructure, land management and economics of all capital city’s in the latest review published by the Reform Council of COAG.