Thousands of new homes could be built in Adelaide’s north under a state government rezoning plan that would transform the Kudla Growth Area over the next 30 years.
The South Australian government has proposed a rezoning that could enable 16,000 new homes to be built around Kudla, across 2,480 hectares spanning Gawler, Playford, and the Light Regional Council, realestate.com.au reported.
The Kudla proposal is part of a wider push to make Adelaide’s north the city’s next major growth front, with the state government saying the rezoning will “unlock the potential for approximately 16,000 homes” and deliver long‑term housing supply. It comes alongside separate CBD planning reforms to allow taller apartment towers in central Adelaide, as the government moves to boost housing in both the inner city and the northern growth corridor amid mounting affordability pressures.
In March 2025, the state released its Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP), which aims to create space for 315,000 new homes across the greater capital city region over the next 30 years. The Kudla Growth Area was flagged in the plan as a key priority for housing and growth over coming decades.
South Australia’s housing minister Nick Champion (pictured) has started the rezoning process for the area, factoring in future growth and the infrastructure needed to support a new neighbourhood.
“This is a significant milestone in creating the north’s next major urban growth front. The foundations are now set for Kudla to flourish over the coming years,” Champion said.
“Building 16,000 more homes for South Australians in the future will only be possible with thoughtful urban planning today.”
This is similar to growth area Concordia, 40km north of Adelaide's CBD, which was rezoned to pave the way for 12,000 new homes over the next 30 years.
The state government says the Kudla Growth Area proposal will be guided by a Structure Plan, which will set a strategic framework for future development, land use, infrastructure, and community facilities.
This includes the Northern Parklands, located beside the Kudla area of Gawler, covering nearly 1,000 hectares – making it 39% larger than the Adelaide Park Lands.
Developed as part of GARP, the park will feature open space, sports facilities, a new railway station and three interconnected linear parks providing a continuous loop around Gawler.
Earlier in 2025, the Northern Parklands Act was finalised, establishing a new statutory authority – the Northern Park Lands Trust. This body will operate independently, overseeing maintenance, management, and any development or leases granted for the parklands.
Champion confirmed work has begun on the parklands’ masterplan, which will guide future development.
“We know Kudla is already serviced by public transport, the Northern Expressway and access to water infrastructure,” he said. “Thoughtful planning will ensure strong east-to-west connecting roads and other critical infrastructure for the region.”
Public consultation on both the rezoning and the Northern Parklands masterplan is scheduled to begin in 2026. The rezoning process is expected to be finalised in late 2027.
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