Site works begin this week at the former gasworks site, to be known as the Bowden Heritage Precinct, as the next phase in the staged remediation and redevelopment of the broader Bowden project area to create a medium-to-high density, people-centred and environmentally sustainable neighbourhood.
The work will transform what was a derelict and fenced-off industrial site into a lively, pedestrian-friendly precinct within the Bowden project area and include retail, commercial, residential and community activity.
“Bowden as a whole is set to become home to 3500 people, who will have the benefits of living in a near city area, across the road from the beautiful city parklands and with excellent transport connection.” Mark Devine, General Manager – Project Delivery, Renewal SA
All three State Heritage-listed structures and an additional five structures within Bowden Heritage Precinct will be retained and adaptively reused. The precinct covers six hectares and is bounded by the Outer Harbour railway line, Drayton, Chief and Second streets.
“New streets, landscaping and buildings will be sensitively added to articulate and revitalize the site as a thriving precinct of special heritage character, providing a blend of history, culture and sustainability.” Mark Devine, General Manager – Project Delivery, Renewal SA
Heritage and character structures to be retained in the Bowden Heritage Precinct are:
- the striking 21-metre high Gasworks Chimney
- an imposing bluestone wall along Chief Street
- Retort House
- Purifying House
- Carpenters’ Workshop
- Works Superintendent’s Cottage
- Chemistry Laboratory
- bluestone wall between the Chemistry Laboratory and Carpenters’ Workshop.
Site works will include demolition of selected non-State Heritage-listed structures to enable accessibility through the precinct and to showcase the retained structures.
This will also help to connect the precinct with other stages of the Bowden project, delivering on the Bowden master plan’s commitment to connectivity throughout the entire project area.
Demolition and remediation
Demolition works by a fully accredited contractor begin this week and are expected to take about two to three months to complete.
The redevelopment of the Bowden Heritage Precinct will enable the transformation and use of a site that would otherwise stand dormant as a result of environmental issues created by previous heavy industrial uses.
Remediation work is planned to start in November and take 12–16 months. It will be undertaken in conjunction with and under the supervision of an independent Site Contamination Auditor who is accredited by the Environment Protection Authority.
Renewal SA has contracted Australasia’s leading site remediation contractor, Ventia, to undertake the site remediation.
The methodology will incorporate a number of best practice techniques that have been successfully applied to similar sites around the country and overseas, ensuring that the site is safe and suitable for its intended future use.
Bowden progress
More than 680 apartments and townhouses have been sold on 20 parcels of land since sales for the Bowden project began in 2012.
There are 319 homes under construction and building work will start on a further 205 homes in the next 12 months.
Bowden is home to 700 people and this is expected to grow to 1000 by Christmas 2018 as more homes sold off the plan are completed and residents move in.
Residential development has been accompanied by extensive civil works and landscaping and the creation of Bowden’s first major retail centre, Plant 4, which attracts thousands of people each week.