RIVERLEA will have a major shopping retail and homemakers precinct two years earlier than planned, in response to surging sales on the $3 billion project.

Walker Corporation executive chairman Lang Walker AO said Adelaide had fallen in love with his Riverlea vision at Buckland Park and the speed in which lots were being sold was phenomenal.

“I want Riverlea to be my signature statement and an incredible place which will be revered in South Australia,” Mr Walker said.

“Over 240 house and land lots have been sold to date and hundreds of families are on the waitlist for our next Riverlea releases.

“Our project team is working around the clock to bring on the new stages to meet this huge surge in demand.

“I’ve now instructed our Riverlea team to bring forward development of our first district centre retail and homemakers precinct by two years to ensure our community has sensational shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy.”

Stage one of the 80,000 square metre retail and Homemakers centre is now expected to start in early 2022.

Real Estate Institute South Australia chair Fairlie Delbridge said median values were reaching record highs across the state as well as in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

“With Adelaide’s north experiencing massive demand, expanding supply is imperative,” she said.

“New master-planned communities are important to address the rapidly increasing interest that South Australia is generating both locally and interstate.

“Suburbs that can provide access to excellent infrastructure, have development potential and are in locations that offer affordability, will always appeal to attract buyers and investors.”

Riverlea developers said they offered a long-term solution to the rapid population growth expected in Adelaide’s northwest, anticipated to climb by 26,000 over the next decade.

“Riverlea has a range of perfectly sized blocks which cater to people at all stages of their lives, from singles to empty nesters looking to downsize,” Mr Walker said.

“All blocks are carefully integrated to be close to childcare, schools, shops, bike paths and walking trails, plus there is the added bonus of the new Northern Connector.”

Riverlea will create 10,000 jobs, building more than 12,000 homes for 30,000 residents.

Stage one is on track for completion early September, with the first residents ready to move in next year.