Council's Elizabeth CBD strategy is about creating a vibrant civic, commercial, and cultural heart of northern Adelaide.

This once-in-a-generation project has been evolving since 2017. Each stage has refined the vision for a bold, contemporary regional centre that celebrates both the character and future of Playford and northern Adelaide.

The Elizabeth CBD is a shared vision — a thriving, welcoming place where locals and visitors can connect, celebrate, and access the services, spaces, and experiences that matter most.

As Playford and the north grows, so does the need for a strong and vibrant regional centre — one that reflects who we are today and where we’re heading.

Our shared vision

The Elizabeth CBD is the vibrant civic, commercial, and cultural heart of a growing north — shaped by community, driven by opportunity, and built for the future. It’s where people, place, and potential come together.

Why it matters

As more people choose to call Playford and the north home, the Elizabeth CBD is evolving into a central hub for everyday life — from shopping and services to culture, business, and connection. This is about creating a central place that serves a growing northern Adelaide, now and into the future.

Council’s Role

Council is an enabler — shaping the CBD through clear planning, partnerships, and strong expectations. Our role is to guide the right outcomes, ensuring development reflects community values and long-term goals.

• The focus isn’t on rapid construction — it’s on achieving the right mix of uses, quality design, and long-term benefits.
• Council works with developers to influence projects that enhance the regional centre’s character and function.
• Clear expectations and standards are set to protect community interests and deliver lasting value

Part of a bigger picture

The South Australian Government’s Greater Adelaide Regional Plan recognises Elizabeth as the major centre of northern Adelaide, a region of more than 500,000 people. With 10 people moving into Playford every day, 95% of Greater Adelaide’s future industrial land located in Playford and major investment in defence, health, and advanced manufacturing underway, the Elizabeth CBD is central to the region’s transformation.