One of Renewal SA’s largest and most successful urban renewal projects has taken out the prestigious Masterplanned Communities Award at the recent UDIA SA Awards for Excellence.

The transformation of 11 hectares of former industrial land on the outskirts of the CBD into the highly sought-after community of Bowden was recognised with the award, one of several accolades for Renewal SA and its project partners at the industry event.

Shane Wingard, Renewal SA Chief Executive said Bowden had helped change the way people thought about urban renewal and demonstrated what could be achieved through long-term planning, innovation and collaboration.

“Many developments deliver housing, but few have the opportunity to create an entirely new residential market,” Mr Wingard said.

Since Bowden began more than a decade ago, 24 different developers, 20 builders and 21 architects have contributed to the project.

Mr Wingard said the collective effort had been instrumental in creating the successful community Bowden is today.

More than 1000 residential dwellings have now been completed, with more than 600 currently under construction.

More than 40 businesses are active within the precinct, including the popular Plant 4, Green Leaves Early Learning and Bowden Brewing.

Uniting on Second, an eight-storey apartment building delivering 70 homes for both sale and rent, received the Affordable Housing Award.

The award was accepted by UnitingSA, which delivered the development, and recognised its contribution to providing affordable housing within a mixed-use community.

UnitingSA took to social media to say the award recognised what could be achieved when affordability, quality design, resident wellbeing and environmental sustainability came together to create homes that met the needs of communities.

Playford Alive, Renewal SA’s residential estate in the northern suburbs, was also a finalist in the affordable housing category, while Adey Brecknock, Renewal SA Senior Development Manager overseeing city projects including Lot Fourteen and Festival Plaza, was a finalist for the Women in Leadership Award.

Stephen Hains AM, Renewal SA Board Presiding Member, received the Greg Waller Award for his longstanding contribution to the development industry, while several Renewal SA project partners were also recognised.

Colliers Engineering & Design received the Professional Consulting Award for its work on Renewal SA-led Prospect Corner, while Peet Limited received the Marketing Excellence Award for Forestville and Cedar Woods received the Seniors Living Award for its work on the Bloom Apartments at Glenside.

Mr Wingard said the awards provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Renewal SA and its partners, and their contribution to shaping South Australia’s development industry.