Villawood Properties has begun construction of a $350 million mixed-use development that is set to transform Adelaide’s Morphettville racetrack precinct and ultimately deliver 400 new homes to the market.
The development is being undertaken in partnership with superannuation giant Hostplus and the South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC), which will transform Morphettville racetrack’s northern fringe into high-end commercial, specialty retail, residential and community spaces.
The SAJC chose Villawood and Hostplus in 2023 to deliver the project on a vacant 7.5ha site between the racetrack’s home turn and the Anzac Highway.
The mixed-use development's residential component, known as The Quarter, will comprise apartment buildings totalling more than 150 units and 250 townhouses and low-rise apartments from two to three storeys.
The development will also include a supermarket, specialty retail and hospitality outlets and The Junction Tavern, which will be owned and operated by the SAJC. The development will also include offices for the SAJC.
“This is one of the great urban renewal stories and comes at a time when the SA housing market is very keen for a new breed of affordable quality housing,” says Alan Miller, the CEO of Villawood Properties.
“Together with the SAJC, Hostplus and the SA Government, we’re rewriting the handbook on urban design, we’re spearheading an exciting vibrant new future for Morphettville and we’re delivering the goods to a housing market more than keen to embrace a new way of suburban living.
“The beauty of it is that it’s a fully South Australian effort from the developers to the architects and partners in an iconic South Australian project that will ultimately benefit a great many South Australians.”
SA Minister for Planning Nick Champion earlier this month approved two code amendments to unlock land previously used for horse stables on the site to be converted into 200 new homes.
“I welcome work getting underway on The Quarter, marking a major step forward in the transformation of Morphettville into a vibrant, connected community that offers a wide range of housing options for South Australians,” says Champion.
“Tackling housing supply issues takes innovative partnerships between government and the private sector to deliver high-quality, diverse housing, while supporting local jobs and our broader economy.
“The appeal of Morphettville as a suburb for housing options is undeniable. There is strong sense of community here, combined with excellent facilities.”
Residences at The Quarter have been designed by architects Studio Nine and they will offer a range of premium affordable and luxury homes, with prices starting from $650,000 for two-storey terrace homes.
Villawood reported last month that The Quarter had secured a $2.72 million sale for one of its three-storey, terrace-topped fence-line homes.
The development builds on a solid pipeline of projects totalling $6 billion and comprising 5,000 residential lots that Villawood has under way in South Australia.
The Morphettville development is being undertaken alongside significant infrastructure investments currently under way area by the government, including construction of the adjacent tramline upgrades.
Key features of the Morphettville racecourse’s broader masterplan include a new community plaza linking Anzac Highway to Morphettville, for year-round events and to create a grand entry to the racecourse.
Villawood says the wider Morphettville development will transform the racecourse into a key sporting, entertainment, specialty retail and residential hub, and a key visitor drawcard for Adelaide.
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