A contentious new development plan that will dramatically alter the skyline along a key Adelaide corridor has been given the green light, overriding significant community opposition. The proposal, which introduces a tiered or 'wedding cake' structure for building heights in the suburb of Prospect, was approved on December 17, 2025.
What is the 'Wedding Cake' Development Plan?
The approved scheme for areas around Main North Road and the Prospect Oval will allow building heights to soar in specific zones. The term 'wedding cake' refers to the stepped design approach, where taller buildings are concentrated in certain pockets, creating a varied and layered streetscape profile. An artist's impression of indicative designs for the Prospect Oval precinct was released by the City of Prospect to illustrate the vision.
Despite the visualisations, the plan has not been universally welcomed. Local residents and community groups have voiced strong opposition, concerned about the impact on neighbourhood character, increased density, traffic, and shadowing. The decision to proceed highlights the ongoing tension between urban infill strategies aimed at addressing housing needs and preserving local amenity.
Fresh Designs for North Adelaide Golf Course
In a related development for Adelaide's northern suburbs, fresh designs for the North Adelaide golf course are also slated to be revealed. While details remain under wraps, this indicates parallel planning activity in the broader region, suggesting a period of significant urban transformation. The timing of these revelations, close to the Prospect decision, points to coordinated strategic planning efforts by authorities.
Implications and Next Steps
The approval of the Prospect plan, championed by David Simmons and updated on December 17, 2025, sets a major precedent. It signals a shift towards higher density living along major transport routes like Main North Road. The coming months will likely see detailed development applications submitted under this new framework, turning the approved concept into reality.
For the community, the fight may now shift to scrutinising the specifics of each subsequent project to ensure they meet promised design standards and mitigate local impacts. The unveiling of the North Adelaide golf course designs will be the next point of public interest, potentially sparking its own debate about land use and urban green space in the city's north.
