The South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) today revealed new concept plans for its $350 million master planned development slated for a 7.5-hectare plot of rezoned land between the home turn of Morphettville Racecourse and Anzac Highway.

National developers Villawood Properties and industry superannuation fund Hostplus have been enlisted to deliver the plan, the SAJC also announced today.

The development, scheduled for construction in mid-2024, will feature two mixed-use 12-storey apartment buildings with more than 150 homes.

[solstice_jwplayer mediaid=”ZKl3MYIR” title=”Morphettville Racecourse redevelopment plan” caption=”Video: supplied” /]

The apartment blocks will be situated in a community plaza slated for construction between Anzac Highway and the Glenelg tram line. It will feature shops, hospitality venues and new SAJC offices.

A further 250 townhouses and low-rise apartment blocks will be constructed south of the Glenelg tram line adjacent to the racecourse.

The project proponents expect the development to create 700 jobs during construction.

An artist’s impression of the mixed-use precinct to be situated between Anzac Highway and the Glenelg tram line. Image: supplied

“This partnership, and the funds generated through the redevelopment, will help us build on Morphettville’s proud legacy and provide the foundations for a thriving club for our current and future members,” SAJC chair Bob Holton said.

“We look forward to working with Villawood and Hostplus to make Morphettville even greater.”

Planning Minister Nick Champion said the development would provide good active transport linkages given its location next to the Glenelg tram line.

“This is the sort of supply we want to see the market responding to,” Champion told reporters today.

“We know that South Australians need homes and it’s not just entry levels homes but it’s homes at nearly every level.”

An artist’s impression of the development looking out to Glenelg. Image: supplied

Artist’s impression of the new mixed-use precinct. Image: supplied

The SAJC has been searching since mid-2021 for a developer to carry out its vision for the Morphettville Racecourse precinct.

The Club said 46 developers registered interest in the project, which was narrowed down to a shortlist of six candidates before the SAJC board chose the joint-venture of Villawood Properties and Hostplus

Villawood Properties, headquartered in Victoria and with an office in Adelaide, has a portfolio of South Australian property developments.

This includes a 52-hectare strategic infill site at Oakden earmarked for 1500 new homes, a 1700-home development in the Gawler Belt and a 700-lot project at Andrews Farm.

It also has property developments in Seacliff and Golden Grove.

An artist’s impression of the apartment blocks from the Morphetville Racecourse. Image: supplied

Villawood CEO Alan Miller said: “We believe the Morphettville site is an opportunity to take a long-term development approach, creating another truly unique Adelaide lifestyle destination.”

“We will create a premium lifestyle, events, and racing destination, celebrating its proud history and heritage, reimagined for today and tomorrow.

“This is very exciting for Adelaide and working with Hostplus means a great home-grown, locally-managed investment in our own heritage and our own future.”