Recent changes to South Australia’s planning rules to send building heights soaring would be complemented by the introduction of minimum building height limits on parts of West Terrace according to changes proposed by the State Government.

Last week, the State Government announced a partnership with Adelaide Airport to significantly raise the heights of buildings in the Adelaide CBD, by introducing a streamlined airport approval process.

Currently on some parts of West Terrace, proposed developments over 3 storeys would need to go through a lengthy airport approval process. Under the changes, developments of up to 20 storeys in these areas would get airport pre-approval.

The changes will be facilitated by the initiation of the City Building Heights Code Amendment, which starts a formal process into removing outdated height restrictions to unlock the full potential of the city’s skyline.

Part of the Code Amendment’s investigations will be to look at implementing minimum building heights on parts of West Terrace to ensure that sites are not wasted by under-development.

West Terrace’s potential for development has been restricted up until now, by being the area of the City with the most restrictive building heights.

As a result of this, West Terrace’s potential as a premium cultural boulevard within the CBD has been stifled, with the street currently home to many low-rise buildings, like car dealerships and service stations.

The changes would allow the State Government, alongside the City of Adelaide to better curate West Terrace and transform the street into a vibrant boulevard.

More purposeful development on West Terrace would also inevitably lead to better activation of the western Park Lands, which is currently home to Ellis Park, Adelaide High School, Karen Rolton Oval and the West Terrace Cemetery.

The changes to City building heights will unlock more apartment developments, will encourage more investment in the CBD and will ultimately result in more homes for South Australians.