Phase 1 consultation is now closed. Phase 1 was open between 25 September 2025 and 5pm on 15 October 2025. Phase 2 community consultation will be open between 20 November 2025 and 5pm on 10 December 2025.

The existing Wattle Reserve playspace equipment has now reached the end of its asset life. This is a high-traffic reserve and playspace, accessed by local residents and the broader community, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. This is a great opportunity to reinvigorate what has been a well-loved playspace and improve the opportunities on offer.

This project will include a new and improved integrated playspace that meets the desires and needs of the community into the future.

Specific items within scope include:

• A new playground offering a diverse range of play types for a range of ages and abilities
• Improved movement and connection between existing site connections, such as the wombat crossing and recreational features
• Improved and integrated landscaping
• Provision of additional seating and picnic areas
• Provision of shade, including the retention and integration of existing shade structures and the provision of new shade trees (whilst still maintaining sea views for neighbouring residents).
• Site-specific strategy for fencing, balancing safety and connection to the wider reserve.

Items out of scope include:

• Double-sided basketball /netball ring and half-court, fenced pickleball court, volleyball net (will remain as is)
• Public toilets (will remain as is, to be upgraded in 2026 as a separate project)
• BBQ (will remain as is)
• Drink fountain (will remain as is)
• Green open space will be retained
  
  

No, these facilities will be retained in situ. It is envisaged that the redevelopment will improve movement throughout the reserve, including better pathways and connections to the pedestrian crossing on The Esplanade and to the existing facilities within Wattle Reserve.

The existing shade structures will remain, with the new playspace design developed with projected shade provision throughout different times of the day. Routine maintenance of the shade sails was undertaken in November 2025.

The existing toilets will be upgraded in their existing location as a separate project in 2026. One tree will be removed during the installation. Further information regarding these upgrades will be provided in due course.

Based on Phase 1 consultation, we created two concepts that capture the main themes raised. This gives the community a choice of preferred direction and what features they like best, while allowing Council to combine the best elements from both options into the final design.

Once feedback has been received and considered, a final design will be completed in early 2026. It is expected that construction will commence early to mid-2026. Project updates will be available via www.yourholdfast.com/Wattle-Reserve-Playspace.
You can register for project updates by clicking ‘+ Follow’ at the top of the project webpage.

Phase 1 consultation results can be found on the project website www.yourholdfast.com/Wattle-Reserve-Playspace. Alternatively, you can reach out to us directly in the following ways:

Online: www.yourholdfast.com/Wattle-Reserve-Playspace
Mail: PO Box 19, Brighton, SA, 5048
Email: mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au
Phone: 8229 9999 during office hours

The results from Phase 1 has been collected and considered. Results have been used to inform two draft concept plans, to form part of Phase 2 community consultation.

Phase 2 consultation feedback will be used to develop detailed designs, ready for construction.

Construction will take place in mid-2026.

All personal details provided will be removed from public documents.

Yes. Phase 1 consultation was open between 25 September 2025 and 5pm on 15 October 2025 and is now closed. Consultation results from this first phase of engagement have been used to inform two draft concept plans.

Feedback can be provided in the following ways:

Online:
www.yourholdfast.com/Wattle-Reserve-Playspace

Mail:
Wattle Reserve Playspace, PO Box 19, Brighton, SA, 5048

Email: mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au

Phone: 8229 9999 during office hours

In person: Community drop-in sessions

Location: Wattle Reserve, Hove, SA, 5048

Time(s):

• Session 1 - 10am until 11am, Wednesday 1 October
• Session 2 - 4pm until 5pm, Thursday 2 October

All feedback must be received by 5pm on 15 October 2025.

Anyone who lives, studies, works in, or visits Holdfast Bay is welcome to participate in this community consultation.

Results from this engagement will inform draft concept plans ready for Phase 2 community consultation.

Phase 2 community consultation will be launched later in 2025 to seek community feedback on the draft concept designs. Once phase 2 consultation is completed, feedback will be reviewed to inform final designs, ready for construction. Construction will take place in mid-2026.

You can subscribe to the project by visiting www.yourholdfast.com/Wattle-Reserve-Playspace and clicking ‘+ Follow’ at the top of the page.

The budget for the playspace renewal and landscaping is $325,000, which includes the design, supply and installation of play equipment and surrounding works.

City of Holdfast Bay

Julia Wallace, Recreation & Sport Planning Lead, or,
Matthew Rechner, Manager Public Realm & Urban Design
8229 9999
mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au