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Apartments along major Adelaide roads could hit 10 storeys and above under new government push

The state government is driving a review of policies pushing for higher density apartments along strategic Adelaide locations.

Natalie Vikhrov

April 13, 2025 - 7:01PM

The Messenger

Residential developments in parts of Adelaide’s inner west could reach new heights of 10 storeys and above as part of a bid to boost housing in the area.

The state government is driving a review of policies, including maximum building heights, that guide development in strategic infill locations, including along Port Rd at Thebarton, the Hindmarsh triangle and the new Southwark development at the former West End Brewery site.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said Port Rd was “one of the most under-utilised urban corridors in Australia”.

“There’s huge potential in areas like Southwark and Hindmarsh but right now the code doesn’t allow for the type of growth we envisage for this strategic location,” he said.

“It’s important as a state to look at increasing building heights and densities in areas that can support more people with nearby open space and existing transport options.”

Parts of the former West End Brewery site currently feature three and four storey buildings while nearby developments reach heights of six and eight storeys.

Planning documents lodged by the government consider the maximum building height at the former brewery area “low for such a strategic site” and suggest a review of the “built form policy” there and along other key corridors to maximise housing opportunities.

The government believes current rules limit possibilities for the “catalyst site” and will investigate whether building heights within the upcoming Southwark development could be increased to 10 storeys and above.

Earlier investigations that support the government review suggest buildings ranging from 6 to 10 storeys could be developed in the urban corridor area – which includes the upcoming Southwark development as well as parts of Torrensville, Brooklyn Park and Mile End – and three to six storeys in areas of Hindmarsh.

Planning documents say the investigation, called Inner West Code Amendment, will explore maximising housing potential while ensuring impacts on local streetscape character and interface issues “can be suitably managed”.

Member for West Torrens Tom Koutsantonis said while areas such as Southwark, Thebarton and Hindmarsh had opportunities for redevelopment, renewal needed to “be sympathetic to the existing character”.

“We know there needs to be greater density overall in the West Hindmarsh Triangle, and I am supportive of density in the Southwark precinct,” he said.

“But we also need to review the building heights previously approved for Henley Beach Road.”

Community consultation on the proposal is expected to start later this year, with locals encouraged to provide feedback.