Morphettville Racecourse is set for a $350m redevelopment, supporting up to 700 construction jobs

Article from Adelaidenow 27 February 2023

Details of a $350m redevelopment of Morphettville Racecourse have been announced, supporting up to 700 construction jobs.

The South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) has chosen developer Villawood Properties and superannuation company Hostplus to redevelop 7.5ha of rezoned land between the racetrack and Anzac Highway.

Key features of the redevelopment include a new community plaza which would be available for year-round events and create a grand entry to the racecourse, mixed-use apartment buildings with more than 150 residences, a supermarket, shops, hospitality outlets, a new The Junction tavern and SAJC office, s along with 250 townhouses and low-rise apartments.

SAJC chief executive Grant Mayer said the planning for the project had begun in 2016.

“It started many many years ago and now today is the first real step forward towards making it a reality,” Mr Mayer said.

SAJC chairman Bob Holton said the club is looking forward to seeing the new residents move in, which could be as soon as 2026.

“The hundreds of new residents of lifestyle properties being built around the course will provide much needed housing close to public transport,” Mr Holton said.

“We look forward to welcoming the new residents.

“Some lucky residents will enjoy a front-row seat on race day.”

The new housing will help address the state’s housing crisis, Minister Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said.

“We know we have a great deal of difficulty with housing in SA both for sale and affordable rental and at the heart of that is the supply side crisis,” Mr Champion said.

“We’ve had the government respond and it’s so good to see now the beginning of the private sector response.”

Head of Villawood Properties Alan Miller said the development would be a “gamechanger” for the state and HostPlus chief executive David Elia labelled the project “historic” for South Australia.

The apartment buildings, shops and tavern will be part of a mixed-use precinct between the Glenelg tramline and Anzac Highway, the townhouses and low-rise apartments will be located south of the tramline, next to the racecourse.

SAJC chairman Bob Holton said the redevelopment marks one of the most exciting chapters in Morphettville’s history.

“For nearly 150 years Morphettville has been an important social, sporting and economic hub for South Australia, employing thousands and providing lasting memories for those who have walked through its gates,” he said.

Work is expected to start on the redevelopment by mid-2024.

'Morphettville Racecourse is set for a $350m redevelopment, supporting up to 700 construction jobs' by Kitty Barr and Shashi Baltutis originally seen in Adelaidenow 27 February 2023. Picture supplied: Artist’s impression showing an aerial view of the Morphettville redevelopment. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.