Council exploring future sale of Abbeyfield House

Marion Council has started the process to enable the potential future sale of a council-owned property that will seek to ensure ongoing care and support for its existing residents.

Council is seeking to revoke the community land classification at 5 Lawrence Street, Edwardstown (Abbeyfield House) which is currently leased to Abbeyfield Australia Limited.

Community consultation on the land revocation is the first step of the process. Ministerial consent will then have to be sought.

If consent is granted, a select Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the sale of the land will then commence to a disability focused community housing provider.

It is Council’s intent to seek assurances through the EOI process in relation to protections for ongoing occupation by the existing residents.

Abbeyfield Australia Limited’s lease expires on 30 June 2026.

Marion Council, as the property owner, has no control over how Abbeyfield House is run. Management and operations are solely the responsibility of the lessee, and Council cannot influence service delivery.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said Abbeyfield Australia have been advised of Council’s intentions.

“Council cannot terminate the lease without a serious breach by Abbeyfield Australia, and this is a totally separate issue to the relationship Abbeyfield Australia have with the people who live in the house” Mayor Hanna said.

“We are very conscious of the needs of the existing residents and that will be our number one priority.”

Community consultation will take place from Thursday 20 March to Thursday 17 April. Feedback can be submitted at makingmarion.com.au, and hard-copy surveys will be available at the City of Marion Administration Building, 245 Sturt Road, Sturt.

For any media enquiries contact media@marion.sa.gov.au