FAQs
The Project
What is Alberton Square?
Alberton Square is the Port Adelaide Football Club’s landmark property development project, set to strengthen the Club’s financial future while delivering lasting benefits to the local community.
The vision for Alberton Square is to deliver a world-class mixed-use precinct, including commercial, health and wellness, education, community and residential uses, directly connected to the elite high-performance and community sport facilities at Alberton Oval.
The development will open the almost 20,000-square-metre site between Alberton Oval and Port Road.
The rezoning proposes to lift maximum building heights across the precinct from two storeys to 13 storeys, unlocking between 250 and 300 apartments, up to 20,000 square metres of commercial floor space and new retail, and supporting an estimated 570 jobs.
This unique and vibrant mixed-use hub is importantly aligned with the South Australian Government’s strategic growth priorities and will enhance the broader Alberton area.
Who is responsible for the Alberton Square project?
Port Adelaide established the Port Adelaide Football Club Property Unit Trust (PAFCPUT) in February 2023. The Trust is wholly owned by the club and is a dedicated vehicle established to progress the project independently of football operations and to build an enduring, appreciating asset base for theclub.
The project is being worked on by a dedicated group of experienced, strategically focused professionals operating independently of Port Adelaide's day-to-day football operations.
This includes a separate board, management and consulting team responsible for the strategic leadership of the project.
How many properties have been acquired by the Trust for the Alberton Square project?
Since 2023, the Club has secured 26 residential properties between Alberton Oval and Port Road, with the project supported by a group of private investors and the AFL.
How do the residents feel about the Port Adelaide Football Club buying their homes?
The Trust has acquired all properties at market value or more and all residents have been supported in their individual situations.
What happens to the tenants now in each property?
Current tenants have been and will continue to be kept up to date of project progress and all existing lease agreements will be honoured.
Tenants will be provided with at least 12 months' notice to relocate as planning timelines progress, noting there is no clear date confirmed for building works as this cannot be decided until all the proper planning approvals are received, following the legislative process.
Is the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and the City of Charles Sturt aware of this activity by the Port Adelaide Football Club?
Yes. Both the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and City of Charles Sturt have been briefed multiple times on the project and the vision for the Alberton Square development project.
How does the State Government feel about this activity by the Port Adelaide Football Club?
Local members of Parliament and the Minister for Planning have been briefed on this project since inception.
Alberton Square is a proposal that aligns closely with the Malinauskas Government's strategic housing priorities, homes, jobs and services on a well-connected corridor close to the city.
The Port Adelaide Football Club is being commended for their vision by the State Government.
Planning Process
What is a Proposal to Initiate?
A Proposal to Initiate is the formal first step in the planning approval process that begins after a Code Amendment is submitted. It initiates the formal planning approval procedures and community consultation processes required under South Australian planning law.
The Minister for Planning has now formally approved the Proposal to Initiate which means the Code Amendment process can commence.
What is a Code Amendment?
A Code Amendment is a proposal to change the policies, rules, or mapping within the Planning and Design Code, which contains the planning rules and policies that guide what can be developed in South Australia.
In simple terms it is a request to have a parcel of land re-zoned and this has now formally commenced.
Now what happens as part of the Code Amendment?
A Code Amendment Report will be finalised by the appointed planning consultants which included consultant investigations aligned to the project requirements whilst simultaneously preparing for community consultation.
Consultation is undertaken in accordance with the formal Engagement Plan.
Where can I find more formal information about the Code Amendment regarding the legislative process?
The Plan SA website has all the information you need and enables you to search for a Code Amendment currently in progress at the link below: https://plan.sa.gov.au/have_your_say/code-amendments
How does the Port Adelaide Football Club know this project is commercially viable?
Alinea Group, a national urban-renewal specialist, has been appointed to lead the next phase of the project as commercial advisor and development project manager, supported by independent consultancy RCP.
Alinea Group is reviewing and proposing a commercial model for consideration aligned with the project’s desired outcomes for the club.
What will the Port Adelaide Football Club Property Unit Trust do if the Code Amendment is NOT approved?
This would be a strategic decision for the Port Adelaide Football Club Property Unit Trust board to determine based on the specific reasons for rejection.
If a Code Amendment is not successful will Port Adelaide Football Club sell the land?
This would be a decision to be considered at the time and has always been a consideration as part of the project planning.
What is a Development Application?
A Development Application is an application for approval that may need to be lodged if you're planning a development.
Why is the Alberton Square project considering undertaking a Code Amendment and a Development Application simultaneously as part of the Proposal to Initiate?
The Code Amendment is necessary to rezone the land to permit the intended mixed-use commercial and residential development, while the Development Application provides the detailed construction and design approvals.
Running them concurrently will reduce overall project timelines rather than waiting for one to complete before starting the other.
This is being considered by the project. Alberton Square will undertake this simultaneous process if it is the preferred direction of the South Australian Government.
When planning approvals are received, how is the Port Adelaide Football Club planning to fund the actual construction delivery?
Alinea Group are currently assessing potential funding partners and funding opportunities for the construction delivery phase of the project.
