In mid-2024 we shared a concept plan for improvement of open space alongside Keswick Creek between Brooker Terrace and Marion Road in Richmond. There was an enthusiastic community response to the concept, with 93% indicating support for this area transformed into public open space.

Participants' main reasons for supporting the concept included:

• Improved amenity.
• Increased greening and tree canopy offering beneficial shading, cooling and biodiversity.
• Activation of open space.
• Walking and cycling opportunities.
• Improved safety for local residents and visitors.
• Reduced risk of illegal dumping.
• Community connectivity.
• Outdoor play opportunities.
• Celebration of art and indigenous culture.

At its meeting of 6 August 2024 Council's City Services and Climate Adaptation Standing Committee resolved to progress the project to detailed design and costing phase. This work is currently underway, and will be brought back to Council for further consideration.

Some reservations about creating open space at this location were expressed during consultation, and these are being considered as part of detailed design. Further consultation with property owners adjacent the site and key stakeholder organisations is also planned.

Open space improvement

Council has identified an exciting opportunity to transform an 800 metre length of underused Council land adjacent Keswick Creek into usable, landscaped open space for the community to enjoy.

A concept plan has been developed including land adjacent the Keswick Creek drainage channel between Brooker Terrace and Marion Road, Richmond, as well as the intersecting cul-de-sacs at Chambers Avenue and Weaver Avenue, Richmond (outlined in red below).

Project area:

The concept includes:

• Improved local amenity.
• Development of quality open space for relaxation and passive recreation.
• Landscaping.
• More shade and cooling through increased tree canopy.
• A connected path to support active travel (walking, cycling etc.).
• Opportunities for public art, environmental education, and celebration of cultural heritage.

Images below show a section of the project area as it typically is now, alongside artist's impressions of how it may look following improvements made under the concept plan. Importantly, these impressions are indicative only, with any future development works subject to additional stages of design, costing, and funding (see 'Next steps' below).

Project area now/Artist's impression of project area under the concept plan:

Artist's impression of project area under the concept plan:

Next steps

Community ideas and level of support for the concept plan will inform Council's decisions around future stages of this project.

Next steps in progressing the project would include detailed design, cost estimates, and consideration of funding sources and potential grants. These will be considered following the collection and review of community feedback.

Share your views

To let us know your thoughts about the concept plan for improving this space alongside Keswick Creek:

• View the concept plan.
• Complete the online form at the bottom of this page.
• Email a written submission to info@wtcc.sa.gov.au
• Post a written submission to:
  • Keswick Creek Concept Plan, City of West Torrens, 165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033

If these options to provide feedback are not suitable, please contact Council's Community Engagement team on 8416 6333 or yoursay@wtcc.sa.gov.au.

All feedback must be received by 5pm Friday 21 June 2024.