When I came to live here, it was thought of as a mainly industrial area with large public housing areas to house the workers. The housing stock was ageing and it appeared not to be looked after by the landlords. Those who had lived in the homes were ageing as well, and when the elderly moved out, the government had begun to change who was able to get public housing. Part of the reason why the suburbs around here began was the railway line c1913 and the two or three large manufacturers. The major one, Pengelley's was the largest furniture making factory in the 'southern hemisphere'. That factory was between Ackland Avenue and Angus Avenue - there is an empty block there now (2106). There were huge plans for a new shopping mall, supermarkets, housing etc, but due to a worldwide money crisis, plus the fact some of the land had been poisoned by chemicals from different manufacturers over more than a century, and had gone into the water table, nothing further has developed here.
Edwardstown has one medium sized shopping centre, while not far away close to Marion council's main focus area, is the large 'Marion' shopping centre. There were large plans for the old 'Hills Site" but the financial crisis seems to have put paid to that large scheme. Latest plans have been downsized and are going to start in a year or so - will update that when I find out more. The developers still want the railway station moved to the side of one of the busiest intersections including railway line. It only takes 10 minutes or less to walk briskly from either Edwardstown or Woodlands Park stations - and that is not with any walkway specific to the shops, and both stations have seen a big uptake in parking around each, as more people have been using the electric trains when they run! Poor walkers who could take buses right to front of any shopping centre planned or the one there already - and the other couple of bus routes which pass by at this time. Talk about obesity - and there is all this talk of getting 'Marion' to be active -healthy.
Whilst residents enjoyed the facilities here, others thought that there didn't seem to be much to encourage people to visit or to stay. But when one peels away misconception, the light comes on and the place and people really come alive and invites us all to see Edwardstown as the jewel of the Marion council area. Even my local councillor has come to love the history, see the wonderful mix of people, and is working hard to give this suburb the attention it is due.
Below is map Edwardstown and surrounds c 2015.
I have so many facts and figures - stories, pictures and anecdotes to share. The streets, the houses, the businesses; interesting people from the past and the now. Things are changing and I would like to share what I know now before it all changes too much. Nothing is static, not even this writing, so I will come back at times to change information or add something else. Sorry I can't at the moment put names to the dates of the posts, but have done post on eating around here, WW1 soldiers, suburbs, their names, people and places. When I figure out how to make it better I will, but I urge people to come and wander around - look at the beautiful character of the streets, and the homes and even bits of the industrial area before it all disappears. This is happening now as houses are demolished and the block filled with three and now four units. No keeping in with the character of the area or street with shapes or colours. Money. Now I am not against modernising or whatever, but would like it to be balanced with what was in the past, as it was the past that makes it what it is today. The council has always done it with Marion/Sturt history and heritage.
So please tell anyone who says this area is awful, they need to look around and talk to the wonderful residents many of whom have lived here for decades while others are relative newcomers to the area.
Yes, South Road is a very busy arterial road, but between that and Marion Road, which is parallel, are three lively suburbs. Some industry close to the main roads, in particular Edwardstown, but walk, drive or cycle into the streets and you will see the old and the new. Even the industrial places are new and cleaner than years gone by.
One great thing about the area is the public transport. The electric train travelling from city to Seaford now. You can get off at Edwardstown station, Woodlands or Ascot Park. There are two bus routes along/around Raglan Avenue, a few more along South and Marion Roads. 241 comes from city through back streets, passed the Plaza and goes off to Marion. 190 - this puts Glenelg - The Bay - the beach so close. Going the other way, one can easily get to the hills, the city or even stay on this bus and get off at the Port. Port Adelaide - cruises, dolphins, more history. There are also circle bus routes close by to go all the way around Adelaide. Along South Road, we can get into the city quite quickly and it stops off at the market before going into the city centre. We are so close via public transport to hospitals, schools, shopping centres and universities. 719 down Anzac Highway from city goes to Flinders Hospital, 720 to Marion and then other 722 etc go to Morphett Vale, Reynella and other suburbs 'down south'. Buses are also working during school year to transport children to school and back.
If you cycle, then use the new cycle paths and routes to the city, to school and anywhere cars and public transport will take you. See my little bit on cycling around.
South Road is changing at this time around especially near Flinders hospital as the govt has begun the new roads with under passes I think - all I know is the beautiful old trees I have know all my life are gone and many many older buildings have been demolished to make way for modern progress.
If you want health centres/gyms there are a number around the area. Good food outlets - not just junk food. Some good playgrounds - one more just completed in Jervois St, South Plympton. Edwardstown Memorial Oval complex is being changed bit by bit. There is a velodrome, oval with thriving football clubs, cricket clubs, tennis courts, lawn bowling off Raglan Avenue, playground and a 'fitness health' area is being put together at this time. There once was a grand rose garden area for walking and sitting and is where Anzac Day Services are held each year.
A few churches, second hand clothing stores, antique stores, and many groups to join, all around the area. Plenty to see and do. Libraries are close by at Parkholme and Mitcham. Licence and car registration Mitcham is the closest. Swimming pool, Marion Road, Plympton Park (privately owned) or outdoor swimming at Parkholme. Latter is very nice especially when sun is shining, and the people who work there are wonderfully helpful and friendly.
If you have a car, a good dog park is 5 minutes away.
The local council is Marion. Their offices are on Sturt Road.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any enquiries, want to share information, or let me know if I have made a mistake.
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