Significant and complex on-site remediation works at the former Brompton Gasworks site have been completed, paving the way for the release of the first homes in a new master-planned community.

Developer MAB, which is leading the project, this week held a ceremony to mark the beginning of the site’s next chapter.

Renewal SA has partnered with MAB to deliver The Gasworks Brompton, with the first sales of 36 architecturally designed townhouses due to start next month.

These will be followed in the new year by not-for-profit Nightingale Housing’s second South Australian apartment complex, located just a stone’s throw from its Bowden site.

The development will include 112 apartments, with up to 50% offered as affordable housing, supporting Nightingale’s mission to provide homes that are socially, financially and environmentally sustainable.

MAB Managing Director Andrew Buxton said The Gasworks Brompton would become an iconic urban precinct.

“We’re blending heritage with sustainability to deliver more than 800 homes, parks, retail and jobs for the local community,” Mr Buxton said.

“We’re pleased to be releasing our first stage of residential homes in the coming months while supporting hundreds of local jobs during construction.”

Mr Buxton said the project represents an $800 million investment in Adelaide’s future and will be home to around 2,000 residents once complete.

To prepare the site for homes, the remediation process employed cutting-edge soil treatment techniques, including the use of a 5,000m² remediation tent, the largest ever constructed in South Australia.

The massive tent enabled the safe excavation and treatment of contaminated soil and housed multiple earthmoving machines and trucks within enclosed structures.

Skye Bayne, Renewal SA’s Executive Director of Sales and Corporate Affairs said the project stood as a testament to what could be achieved when government and industry worked hand-in-hand to unlock complex sites and deliver meaningful outcomes for South Australia.

“This is a great outcome for a very complex site,” Ms Bayne said.

“It will significantly extend the success of an already bustling Bowden just next door while delivering on our vision for the private market to breathe new life into the historic area showcasing its unique character and charm.”

Around 8,000m² of open space will be delivered early in the project, comprising two parks and one urban square. This represents about half of the total planned open space for the precinct.

The Gasworks site holds deep historical significance. Gas production began in Brompton in 1863, supporting Adelaide homes and businesses for nearly 150 years.

Despite its history, the development will be a gas-free precinct, with all power delivered via 100% renewable energy.

MAB is targeting a 6 Star Green Star community rating under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Communities Framework.

Renewal SA called for private sector partners in 2021 to transform the former industrial site into a vibrant extension of the Bowden precinct, delivering new homes and public amenity.

Melbourne-based developer MAB was selected to lead the redevelopment following a competitive open tender, due to their proven credentials in the successful remediation of complex sites coupled with their vision to deliver more than 800 new homes, 15% of which will be affordable, along with a hotel, employment hub, retail spaces and generous open space.

Civil work and construction are expected to begin next year.

People interested in being among the first to live at The Gasworks Brompton are encouraged to register their interest here.