Investing in Our Community's Future
This page was archived on 12 March 2024
After years of diligent planning, Council is excited to announce the strategic purchase of eight hectares of ‘Crown Land’ in the heart of Two Wells for the purposes of delivering commercial, retail and community facilities.
With the Adelaide Plains’ population growing at an unprecedented rate, the purchase of this strategic landholding in the town centre of Two Wells positions our broader region for further substantial economic growth and will provide convenient access to amenities for residents and visitors alike.
Jump to: Vision / Key Facts / Timeline / Next Steps / FAQs
Vision
In response to the strong demand in the Adelaide Plains for commercial, retail, and community amenities to support our fast growing residential population, we are setting the foundation for an exceptional and vibrant town centre investment and development opportunity within the historic main street of Two Wells.
“This is truly wonderful news for our community and demonstrates Council’s commitment to plan at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of our area. I look forward to continuing momentum as we enter the next dynamic phase of this project, namely market engagement through to contractual close, with on-ground retail, commercial and community investment soon realised”
– Adelaide Plains Council CEO James Miller.
Key facts
- Two Wells is growing rapidly — currently higher than the rate of growth of Greater Adelaide!
- Aware that retail, community, and commercial investment needs to be accommodated for, to support our rapidly growing community, Council has been working diligently and prudentially in securing strategic land.
- Council’s investment positions the Adelaide Plains region for further substantial economic growth and will provide convenient access to amenities for residents and visitors alike.
- Commercial property advisors, Alinea Group, facilitated the market engagement and expressions of interest process in late 2022.
Project timeline
In 2013 the Two Wells Residential Development Plan Amendment (DPA) was gazetted by the Minister for Planning with the intention to provide zoned land for residential and associated growth in Two Wells.
Council has since taken active steps to facilitate and support urban growth. Some of the important milestones include:
- Need for Retail Focus Identified
The initial Retail Supply and Demand Study is completed.
- Two Wells Main Street Design Guidelines Created
Council endorses design guidelines for the Main Street Precinct in Two Wells, to ensure that the town can be expanded over time in a manner that strengthens its unique character. View the guidelines here.
- Construction Begins in Eden
Construction begins on the first house in Eden Two Wells, transforming into over 200 completed homes in 2022.
- Need for Retail Focus Strengthened
In 2019 there were only two major retail centres within a convenient distance of Two Wells - further still from other towns in Adelaide Plains including Mallala and Dublin. The updated Retail Supply and Demand Study confirmed that additional land was needed in Two Wells to accommodate retail and commercial investment for our rapidly growing community.
- Construction Begins in Liberty
Construction begins on the first house in Liberty Two Wells, transforming into over 152 completed homes in 2022.
- Adoption of Strategic Plan 2021-2024
Our Strategic Plan focuses on creating: an enviable lifestyle, emerging economy, remarkable landscapes and proactive leadership. A key strategic focus identified is for Council to facilitate growth of the business sector through strategic advocacy, partnerships and service improvements that generate local procurement and employment opportunities, provide certainty for investment and enhance the appeal and visitor experience. View the Strategic Plan here.
- Community Land Consultation
Council undertook public consultation to revoke the community land classification of Section 180 and Section 716 (the investment site).
- Tourism and Economic Development Strategy 2022-2025 Endorsed
The key strategies identified included: facilitating economic development opportunities, identifying areas for future economic exploration and development and identifying practical outcomes that support investment attraction. View the strategy here.
- Relocation of Community Groups
Adelaide Plans Kennel and Obedience Club, and Adelaide Plains Trotting Owners and Trainers Association relocated into upgraded facilities in Lewiston.
- Transfer of Crown Land to Adelaide Plains Council
After more than four years of discussion and collaboration, Crown Land was sold in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Management Act 2009 on 22 August 2022.
- Council Announces Investment in Two Wells
Council announces the investment in the community’s future and the engagement of commercial property advisors Alinea Group. View the media release here.
The next steps
To advance this initiative, Council undertook market engagement and expressions of interest with the private sector for the purposes of delivering a mix of commercial, retail and community facilities through the engagement of commercial property advisors, Alinea Group, who worked closely with urban designers Jensen PLUS.
Supporting the expressions of interest process, Council commissioned concept land use plans to provide guidance to the market, ensuring future development aligns with Council’s vision.
The town centre is envisioned to be a high-quality public realm with a mix of retail, commercial, and community offerings complemented by high quality landscaped and civic open spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Sections 6 and 7 of the Local Government Act 1999, one of Council's key roles is to plan at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of its area.
Most recently, Adelaide Plains Kennel and Obedience Club and Adelaide Plains Trotting Owners and Trainers Association used the site. Both groups have transitioned into upgraded facilities in Lewiston.
The Contract for Sale and Purchase was executed on 22 August 2022 with an anticipated settlement date of 27 October 2022.
To protect Council’s commercial position, the purchase price remains confidential at this point in time.
Alinea Group will work closely with Adelaide Plains Council and Jensen PLUS to prepare a preliminary concept and vision for the site, in the lead up to a national Expression of Interest process.
Alinea Group managed the market engagement and expressions of interest process, which opened on Friday 28 October 2022 and closed on Thursday 15 December 2022.
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest have now closed. Watch this space!