Future of Fort Largs secured with AVJennings and National Trust partnership
A partnership between developer AVJennings, the National Trust and the State Government will secure the future of the historic Fort Largs while allowing for a new residential development in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
AVJennings has been named the preferred developer of the 7.4 hectare site of the former Fort Largs Police Academy after a public expression of interest process.
It plans to build about 250 homes at the site, supporting an estimated 100 jobs a year during the six-year construction period and generating approximately $100 million of investment.
As part of the deal the State Heritage-listed fort will be retained and the National Trust will own and operate it, assuming responsibility for the restoration, maintenance and future uses of the Fort.
The National Trust will be supported with State Government funding and will be working towards opening the site to the public.
The sale of the Fort Largs site was announced to partially recoup the cost of the newly developed neighbouring Police Academy at Taperoo.
The fort at the Fort Largs site is listed on the State Heritage Register, which prohibits demolition and promotes standards for preservation and maintenance.
AVJennings and the National Trust are working on a joint business case for the future redevelopment and conservation of the heritage-listed Fort buildings. As part of the development proposal, AVJennings plans to reuse the Drill Hall as a community facility and the Barracks as apartments.
The developer is working with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield on a masterplan for the site taking into account the views of the local community. For more information visit theAVJennings website.
The Government has selected a highly regarded and publicly listed Australian developer as the preferred proponent to work with the National Trust on this major development for the western suburbs.
This project will enable the development of a new beachfront community, creating jobs and stimulating private investment, while also safeguarding the historic Fort Largs for the public.
The State Government will also contribute to the restoration and reuse of Fort Largs by the National Trust to ensure this site may be enjoyed by the public for decades to come.
Member for Port Adelaide Susan Close
This is a win-win for the western suburbs by enabling growth and investment while also maintaining the area’s rich history.
The National Trust are highly valued and respected custodians of some of our most important State Heritage sites and buildings.
The historic Fort Largs Police Academy site is a precious piece of South Australian history which many in the district want to see maintained and opened for the public to enjoy.
AVJennings State General Manager SA Brian Virgo
We are delighted to have been chosen as the preferred developer and look forward to partnering with the National Trust to revitalise this historic site.
Fort Largs is a unique location with excellent local amenities that are a short walk from the beach. It provides a great opportunity for us to make an exceptional contribution to the existing local community.
We strongly believe that the heritage listed fort, barracks and Drill Hall are integral to the success of the project and their preservation will significantly contribute to the character of this new community.
National Trust of South Australia President Professor Norman Etherington AM
The National Trust welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Renewal SA and AVJennings to ensure that Fort Largs is properly protected and made permanently accessible to the public.
We look forward to creating a solution that preserves the integrity of the Fort and enables a new use which respects its significant role in Australia’s defence history.
We are optimistic that we can reach an agreement that will secure the long term future of the site as a significant tourist attraction and public amenity.