River Torrens Breakout Creek Stage 3

Stage 3 redevelopment

About the Stage 3 works 

The Stage 3 works are the final stage of the redevelopment of Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari.

The community was involved in developing 9 key design principles that were used to develop the concept plan and draft designs. After extensive community feedback and engagement with local residents and stakeholders, the final designs were released in June 2021.

The design also takes into account the redevelopment of Apex Park (including a new arena for the Lockley Riding Club). The emphasis is on habitat creation and supporting continuity from Breakout Creek stages 1 and 2.

The third and final stage of the redevelopment has:

  • opened up 15 hectares of currently fenced-off land, for the community to enjoy
  • created new habitat for endangered and rare animals to live and breed
  • created wetlands that will improve the water quality of the river
  • removed weeds and plant more than 215,000 new native plants
  • created new accessible paths and river crossings, a boardwalk, viewing decks, and picnic areas
  • created new places to learn about Kaurna culture and history
  • maintained a designated horse area along the river and new bridle path for the local horse riding club near Apex Park
  • enhanced the safety and amenity of the area by improving existing paths, upgrading lighting and improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and maintenance vehicles.

Construction timeline

Construction began in February 2022 and the Linear Park was reopened in September 2023.

Construction of the new elevated boardwalk between the Linear Park and Apex Park commenced in October 2023 and was finalised in April 2024.

Previous redevelopment

Stage 1 of the redevelopment focused on a 500m section of Breakout Creek upstream of Henley Beach Road in the suburbs of Fulham and Lockleys, developed from an artificial channel to a more natural one in 1999.

Stage 2 of the redevelopment focused on about 700m between Henley Beach and Tapleys Hill roads continued to be opened up for community use with access to blue and green spaces with high biodiversity value in the urban landscape. It was completed in 2010 and included widening and deepening the channel, removing weeds and planting more than 200,000 native seedlings.