Open Space & Urban Design

For more information about the Government’s Open Space and Urban Design programs, including project examples (such as Coast Park), funding programs, applications and guidelines please visit the Public Space website:

Planning SA implements a range of State Government initiatives to create better public places and spaces for the people of South Australia.

Open Space

Planning SA's Open Space Unit advises the Minister for Urban Development and Planning on the strategic planning, purchase and development of open space throughout South Australia, helping to implement the vision of the Planning Strategy to enhance the quality of lifestyle of the whole community.

Key elements of this include:

  • The Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS). MOSS is a network of parks and open space located throughout metropolitan Adelaide. The MOSS network incorporates the Adelaide City Park Lands, the Hills Face Zone, the coastline (through Coast Park), and linear parks along major watercourses which cross the metropolitan area, such as the River Torrens
  • Open space projects in regional areas of South Australia
  • Working with individual councils in both metropolitan and country areas to prepare Open Space Strategy Plans
  • Administering grants through the Open Space Grant Funding program to develop MOSS and other open space initiatives

Urban Design

Planning SA's Urban Design Unit promotes principles of good urban design and its value in enhancing the quality and vitality of the urban environment. It develops policies and guidelines and provides advice on significant development projects to achieve better urban design outcomes (for example, the North Terrace project).

Key elements of this include:

  • The Places for People Program
  • The South Australian Urban Design Charter