The much-loved Police Greys will find a new home off the Adelaide Parklands, with the Malinauskas Labor Government identifying alternative sites for SAPOL’s Mounted Operations Unit.
The Mounted Operations Unit is required to move from its current home at the Thebarton Police Barracks to make way for a brand new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
In March, the Government announced that it was assessing SAPOL’s preferred site to rehome the Mounted Operations Unit -- a parcel of land in Park 21 West (Mirnu Wirra) in the Adelaide Park Lands.
After an exhaustive investigation of the available options both on and off Park Lands, and negotiations with Government and private sector stakeholders, the Government has decided not to proceed with the Park 21 option.
The Government has instead reached agreed commercial terms with Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) in seeking to finalise an interim and permanent home for the unit.
Negotiations with AAL have identified two suitable sites on airport land. Both sites will now be subject to detailed site investigation, design work and due diligence and finalisation of terms.
A suitable portion of Government-owned land at Gepps Cross has also been identified, should an alternative option be required, which will be progressed concurrently to the AAL options.
Each of the identified sites provide central, secure locations with ample space to meet the needs of the greys and the officers of the Mounted Operations Unit.
The government will also provide a CBD staging post for the Mounted Operations Unit on vacant government-owned land on Wright Street behind the Supreme Court.
The decision to provide the staging post is a key element to the new arrangement, allowing SAPOL the flexibility needed to move the Mounted Operations Unit further than 5km from the CBD.
The Police Greys will be required to move from their current home next year, to make way for early works on the $3.2 billion New Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
That project will deliver a bigger, better Women’s and Children’s Hospital and leave enough room for future expansion of the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
It will also see currently fenced-off, inaccessible and dilapidated areas of Park Lands transformed into open, landscaped areas.
The hospital will include a ‘nature play’ area and a new playground for patients and families to enjoy.
Quotes
Attributable to Peter Malinauskas
I’m very pleased we’ve been able to identify suitable alternative options for SAPOL and the broader community to provide new and improved accommodation for the long term future of our Police Greys.
We’ve worked hard to find a solution that considers the strategic needs of SAPOL and the interests of the broader public.
I thank the Police Commissioner and SAPOL officers for their efforts in reaching this outcome.
We look forward to working through the detailed design and site work to make this new home at the Adelaide Airport a reality.
My Government has always sought to preserve Adelaide Park Lands, and wherever possible make them more accessible.
That’s exactly what we’re delivering with the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital, which will unlock unused and dilapidated areas near the Adelaide Gaol.
Attributable to Joe Szakacs
The Mounted Operations Unit provides a vital capability for SAPOL and supports them to keeping our communities safe.
The SAPOL Greys are regularly deployed to assist in the management of major public events, and for crowd control.
Delivering a new and fit for purpose home for the MOU will provide SAPOL staff and our much-loved Greys with the modern facilities they deserve.
This announcement follows significant consultation with SAPOL and the community and sets the MOU up strongly for the future.
Attributable to Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood
This is a fantastic outcome for our community and our Park Lands, and shows what can be achieved when everyone works together.
Over the past couple of months I have held forums and street corner meetings, listened to stakeholders and met regularly with relevant Ministers to ensure our community’s voice was heard.
I congratulate the Premier and the Commissioner for listening and for working so diligently to secure a win-win.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith
I congratulate the South Australian Government for maintaining its commitment to protect the irreplaceable and unique Adelaide Park Lands.
The Premier has proven he will listen to the community and show strong leadership make the right decision.
I would like to thank the member for Adelaide Lucy Hood for her unwavering advocacy and support for the Park Lands during this process.
