New Town Centre Planned for Adelaide’s Growing North

A $150-million development on Adelaide’s northern fringe to create a modern town centre has been revealed for rapidly growing Two Wells.

The Adelaide Plains Council acquired the 8ha site from the Crown in 2022 and appointed Leyton Property to oversee the project’s delivery.

Two Wells, about 40km north of the Adelaide CBD, is projected to almost double its population to 5000 people from 2021 to 2028, according to the council’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028.

The plans for the site at Old Port Wakefield and Buckland Park roads feature a 3500sq m supermarket, more than 6000sq m of specialty retail, a childcare centre, two-storey medical facility and a community focal point.

Leyton Property was working with NH Architecture to “develop a true town centre, not just a shopping centre, within the heart of Two Wells,” according to the planning report.

At the northern entrance of the site, an open landscaped area called Windmill Square is proposed as a focal point and to create a welcoming gateway.

Drakes Supermarkets has been selected as the anchor tenant for the development.

The supermarket, part of the $60-million first stage, is expected to be one of the largest Drakes in South Australia.

▲ A render of the supermarket from Old Port Wakefield Road.

The Adelaide Plains Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Strategy 2022–2025 identified Two Wells as a key growth area, noting its potential to evolve into an urban township supporting population increases of up to 300 people annually over the next 20 years.

This aligns with the council’s plans to enhance infrastructure, expand main streets and develop modern town centres to meet community needs.

Infrastructure upgrades for the town centre project include the realignment of Old Port Wakefield and Gawler roads and the widening of Windmill Road to improve connectivity and accommodate increased traffic.

The Northern Connector will continue to serve as a vital freight and commuter link, further enhancing Two Wells’ appeal as a residential and business destination.

Planned basins and wetland vegetation were designed to enhance ecological sustainability and manage stormwater effectively.

▲ The centre will feature modern retail spaces, community facilities and landscaped areas designed for the growing population of Two Wells.

The planning report said “these measures will not only reduce flooding risks but also create ecological benefits for the surrounding area”.

The council said the development’s alignment with the Northern Adelaide Plains Food Bowl would allow it to leverage local agricultural production for new markets.

The site’s history as a recreational space, including horse training tracks, was evaluated in a Preliminary Site Investigation.

The investigation concluded there was negligible risk of contamination from historical activities and the site was suitable for development.

“Soil sampling and analysis confirmed compliance with safety standards for human health and the environment,” the report said.

The project’s public notification period ends on January 16 and construction is expected to begin this year.