Adelaide Airport is likely to house the SA Police’s Mounted Operations Unit following its move from the Thebarton Police Barracks.
The SA Government has reached commercial terms with Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) on an interim and permanent home for the unit, which is moving to make way for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
“Negotiations with AAL have identified two suitable sites on airport land. Both sites will now be subject to detailed site investigation, design work and due diligence and finalisation of terms,” the SA Government said in a statement.
“A suitable portion of Government-owned land at Gepps Cross has also been identified, should an alternative option be required, which will be progressed concurrently to the AAL options.
“Each of the identified sites provide central, secure locations with ample space to meet the needs of the greys and the officers of the Mounted Operations Unit.”
A spokesperson for the airport told Australian Aviation, “Adelaide Airport Limited looks forward to accommodating the facility should the location prove to be the Government’s preferred choice.”
The move by the SA Government follows criticism of its initial preferred location, a parcel of land in Park 21 West (Mirnu Wirra) in the Adelaide Park Lands.
“After an exhaustive investigation of the available options both on and off Park Lands, and negotiations with Government and private sector stakeholders, the Government has decided not to proceed with the Park 21 option,” the SA Government said.
The Mounted Operations Unit will leave its current home at the Thebarton Police Barracks next year.
