Plans Revealed for 12-Storey SA Affordable Apartment Tower

Renewal SA has revealed plans for a 12-storey residential tower in the inner-Adelaide suburb of Bowden. 

The project, designed by architects ARM, comprises 80 affordable rental apartments in a mix of studio, one and two bedrooms.

As well, four Torrens-titled warehouse lofts will be offered for sale and there would be up to four ground-floor retail and commercial spaces.

The tower planned for Third Street would sit opposite the Plant 3 and 4 hospitality and retail precincts, and next to South Australia’s largest build-to-rent project, by Sentinel and approved this month.

A community housing provider would operate the project long-term and it would also include specialist disability accommodation. 

Renewal SA is planning a 221-space public carpark at the lower levels, aimed at easing traffic congestion, with an open-air upper level that could also serve as a public activation space.

The project would cover the reconstruction of Field Lane, connecting Third and Second streets as well as the wider area with the Bowden Train Station. 

The lane will feature public art with a series of reclaimed bricks and there are also plans to incorporate Kaurna storytelling as part of a proposed link between Bowden and the former Brompton Gasworks, which is being remediated for future development by Renewal SA partner MAB Corporation.

Initially announced in February, 2023 as a 60-apartment affordable project, the updated design has added 24 apartments.

The government will actively pursue funding support for the priority project via a first-round submission to the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility, in partnership with the Community Housing sector. 

Renewal SA has begun a second stage tender to shortlisted builders to deliver the project with ARM. The selection of a community housing provider partner is expected to begin this month following a stage one shortlisting process.

Site preparation will begin in the coming months and the first residents are scheduled to move in at the start of 2026.