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Walker Welcomes Buckland Park Announcement4 February 2010Walker Corporation today welcomed the State Government’s decision to approve development of the $2 billion Buckland Park project in Adelaide’s north. Mr Walker said “Buckland Park will provide homes for thousands of South Australian families in one of the State’s fastest growing areas. Buckland Park will offer a mix of aspirational and affordable housing and a community where economic, social and environmental sustainability are paramount.” “We look forward to working with the Government of South Australia, the City of Playford and the local business community during the life of this exciting project,” he added. Buckland Park measures 6km across and covers 1,340 hectares. It is nearly 50 times the size of Adelaide’s Botanical Gardens and more than twice the size of Mawson Lakes. Mr Walker paid tribute to the Rann Government’s vision for growth in South Australia, and its commitment to deliver on that vision. “We’re investing in South Australia because the state government here are forward thinking, well organised and they’re ‘doers’ – they are putting their vision into action, not just talking about it.” “The South Australian Government has clear guidelines and processes which ensure good, sustainable development in their state, and they’re supporting this by successfully planning for, and implementing, solid infrastructure plans that will help take the state through continued and significant growth,” Mr Walker added. Mr Walker said that the Buckland Park project will also create a major boost for jobs and the economy in South Australia in the short and long term. “On average each year we expect 2,200 jobs to be generated annually for people working in the construction sector – lots of blue-collar jobs for trades-people and construction workers, as well as jobs for professionals like town planners, architects, engineers, and surveyors.” “In addition to jobs created to construct the new community, by 2036 we also expect around 10,000 people will be employed in jobs at employment and centre precincts within Buckland Park, with the potential for a further 15,000 jobs to be indirectly generated within the economy.” Mr Walker said State Government agencies had been assessing the Buckland Park proposal for 3 years and every element of the proposal had been scrutinised closely. State Government approval covers the first stage of the project and incorporates:
State Government approval follows a rigorous development assessment process managed by Planning SA. Walker Corporation conducted extensive community consultation and altered elements of the Masterplan in response to comments from neighbours, local farmers and local businesses. Construction of Buckland Park Stage One is expected to commence this year. Lots at the new masterplanned estate are expected to be priced from $130,000. “Walker Corporation has dedicated significant time, effort and funding to make Buckland Park a reality,” Mr Walker said. “This has resulted in a masterplanned residential project that combines opportunities for economic prosperity and incorporates high standards of environmental responsibility, including the capture of 80 per cent of stormwater across the site.” Walker Corporation will create a number of residential stages over the entire Buckland Park site. Each stage will be progressively subdivided into housing allotments over 25 years to create a new community. “We expect that over time Buckland Park will attract services, facilities and jobs which will benefit everyone in northern Adelaide,” Mr Walker said. By 2036, Buckland Park is expected to include the following:
Walker Corporation will also provide residents with a Buckland Park Community Bus which will connect residents to Salisbury and Elizabeth. The developer will work with Council and the State Government to improve government bus services to Virginia and northern Adelaide. The masterplan design includes bikeways, footpaths and bus routes so new residents will be able to get around without relying on cars. A new intersection will be built on Port Wakefield Road to connect Buckland Park with northern Adelaide. “The Masterplan has plenty of space for ovals and parks, and we will be working with Council to make sure recreation facilities are available for new and existing residents,” Mr Walker said. Open space for River Red Gum protection and rehabilitation will be provided along the Gawler River and samphire scrubland in the site’s south. The new neighbourhoods will be totally protected from flooding of the Gawler River. Mr Walker said planning for water is a fundamental part of the project. Stormwater will be collected and treated for reuse and all the houses will be connected to recycled water with the aim of reducing the consumption of high quality drinking water. “Walker Corporation looks forward to building a quality new community at Buckland Park. Our residential developments are widely-known as popular places to live, work and play. Buckland Park will be a flagship example of a vibrant new masterplanned community - every development we do is built with quality, sustainability and liveability at front of mind, and Buckland Park will be no exception,” he added. Walker Corporation has a significant investment in South Australia with the development of the $400million Vicinity Industrial Estate project at Direk in Adelaide’s north and Bluestone Mt Barker, an 800 home residential subdivision in the Adelaide Hills. For more information contact: Richard Sproull
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