SA Courts Developers for 1300-Home West End Site Plans

Renewal SA is seeking a master precinct developer for the $1-billion redevelopment of a former brewery in Adelaide’s inner-west.

The 8.4ha former West End Brewery site will be developed across two streams with five smaller parcels and a larger site, which should accommodate about 1000 homes.

The two-tranche strategy is aimed at attracting a diversity of developers involved in the urban renewal project and to maximise the speed of delivery, according to Renewal SA chief executive Chris Menz. 

“This is an unrivalled urban renewal opportunity, and we need the best developers available,” Menz said. 

Smaller developers will be targeted for the five smaller parcels of land that could be townhouse or apartment opportunities in an effort to fast-track construction while roads and open space networks are built. 

Renewal SA expects about 17 townhouses will begin construction this year as part of the opening stage of the precinct, to be called Southwark Grounds. 

“The Southwark Grounds redevelopment is poised to significantly transform Adelaide’s north-western corridor, contributing to the region’s growth and development while fostering a vibrant and sustainable community,” Menz said.

“This project is not just about building homes, it’s about creating a legacy that will benefit the community for generations to come and act as a catalyst for the wider inner-west area.”

▲ Adelaide’s West End Brewery site is being renewed, following the successful redevelopment of the former Clipsal factory and gasworks at nearby Bowden.

Breathe Architecture, Arup and landscape architects TCL prepared the masterplan for the site, which Menz said was a flexible design that paved the way for the sales process to start. 

“We have an ambitious target of having the first residents move into the area in the next two years, so we need to start work on amenities, active transport connection points, and public open space as soon as possible,” Menz said.

Heritage buildings on the site will be incorporated into the $1-billion precinct with 20 per cent of homes earmarked for affordable housing. 

The South Australian Government acquired the 8.4ha site from Lion Brewing for $61.5 million. Groups including Perth-based housing group Peet, Amulet Property and a joint venture between Commercial & General and McMahon Services were all outbid.

The West End Brewery site at Thebarton is 1km from Renewal SA’s Bowden Precinct, which is nearing completion after more than 15 years developing the site, while MAB Corporation is undertaking groundworks on the site of its Brompton Gasworks development also at Bowden.