$7.5 billion housing precinct set to grow SA’s second city

Grange Development and Costa Property Group have joined forces to acquire 909 hectares of the 1,860-hectare development at Gifford Hill, Murray Bridge, making it the largest residential project in the state in nearly 70 years.

The $7.5 billion precinct will support new homes for 44,000 residents, offering affordable housing within one hour of Adelaide.

Alongside residential development, Gifford Hill will deliver a new town centre, mixed-use high street and six neighbourhood activity centres, seven schools and 119 hectares of open space.

Developer for the project, Grange Development’s James Dibble, said the project represents the most significant residential development in history for South Australia and Adelaide.

“We are looking forward to delivering an exceptional residential community that sets new standards for sustainable living, connectivity and amenity, while creating a second major city for the state.”

“Gifford Hill will be future-proofed in its urban design, technology, built form and materiality to deploy forward-focused principles, celebrating the existing beauty and amenity of Murray Bridge and the Adelaide Hills region, while offering residents the opportunity to live, work, and play amidst a peri-urban lifestyle.”

Costa Property Group CEO, Carl Schokman said they were proud to be partnering with Grange on this significant project.

“We have tremendous confidence in the fundamentals across South Australia, and believe this precinct will be the key to unlocking the housing supply to keep up with the strong population growth forecasted for the state.”

Murray Bridge is a centre for agriculture, agri-business and innovation, along with being a key logistics and transport hub. The Murraylands have long been a holiday playground for visitors seeking recreational and leisure opportunities along the river.

It expected the precinct will generate $750m of retail spending per year to the Murray Bridge region, alongside 7,210 onsite jobs and 5,240 indirect jobs during construction.

CEO of the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Heather Barclay said developments of this nature and scale had the capacity transform places and communities.

“Our goal is to ensure well-planned and connected communities, so Murray Bridge continues to thrive and be a place where people choose to live, work and play,” Heather said.

“Council is clear that infrastructure and services must be prioritised and well timed for delivery, along with the development of an integrated Community Wellbeing Plan for our current and future communities.

“We are working in close partnership with the State Government to ensure community infrastructure and wellbeing responsibilities are clear and delivered.

“We look forward to working with Grange and the Costa Property Group to build cohesive, connected and affordable communities.”

Murray Bridge has a laidback rural and river lifestyle where people can live well, work close to home and enjoy the benefits of regional living.

The city and its surrounding areas are becoming prime locations for industry investment and growth with dedicated precincts and protection of high-value primary production land.

Under the State Government’s plan for Greater Adelaide, Murray Bridge will grow to become a satellite city providing local jobs, services and amenities along with affordable housing.

The project is expected to launch to the market in 2025 and will be developed over a 30–40-year period.