Thinking globally, acting locally in Felixstow

The Felixstow Neighbourhood Urban Renewal Reserve and Detention Basin is a shining example of how smart planning and green design can create a better future for both people and the planet.

Just six kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, this project is part of the Felixstow Neighbourhood Urban Renewal—a partnership between the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and SA Housing Trust to deliver sustainable stormwater management as part of an urban renewal project.

Through this powerful collaboration, an ageing area has been transformed into an award-winning modern, sustainable and welcoming neighbourhood that brings residents closer to nature.

As part of the State Government’s five year Neighbourhood Renewal Program, outdated and aged public housing properties have made way for a fresh mix of affordable and private homes, surrounded by open space that everyone can enjoy.

The broader housing development area is located on low-lying land that is periodically subject to flooding during major rain events.

With the increased housing density on the new development, effective stormwater management for the area was a key component of the renewal program to ensure the future sustainability and safety of the area.

Following a comprehensive assessment of stormwater drainage options and consideration of how they could potentially improve the local amenity and enhance the lifestyle of local residents, the preferred stormwater management approach was determined to be a landscaped detention basin, together with an open reserve.

The basin holds around 4,300 cubic metres of water, temporarily storing stormwater during major rain events before draining away.

This approach not only prevents flooding but also adds a beautiful new green space to the neighbourhood.

Bordered by Shirley, Fraser and Reid Avenues, the reserve includes open lawns for play and picnics, shady trees, accessible paths, and a rain garden planted with native species.

Designed to be both safe and attractive, the detention basis has been transformed from essential infrastructure into a vibrant, green community park.

The development of green stormwater drainage infrastructure as part of this urban renewal project demonstrates how innovative design can protect the environment.

The detention basin and rain garden naturally filter stormwater before it flows into the River Torrens, removing litter and pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

This keeps our waterways cleaner and supports local plants and wildlife.

Native plantings such as Grevillea, Westringia, and Eremophila attract birds and insects, creating small but important habitats within the area.

With more than 3,000 square metres of green space, the reserve also helps cool the area and strengthens our City’s resilience to climate change.

The reserve and detention basis serve as more than just essential infrastructure and a park.

They are proof that with thoughtful, innovative design, we can create places that are practical, beautiful and built to last—spaces that connect people, celebrate nature, and make our City more sustainable for generations to come.

The project was celebrated at the 2022 Planning Institute of Australia South Australian Awards for Planning Excellence, receiving the Climate Change and Resilience Commendation Award.

Three years on, the reserve is now flourishing and stands as a model for future urban renewal projects across Adelaide.