A major milestone in Bowden’s transformation from a former Clipsal factory into a neighbourhood on the fringe of the city has been reached with the first residents now moving in to their new homes.

Acting Housing and Urban Development Minister Susan Close said the $1 billion development is on track with the first of the expected 3,500 residents moving into the first of more than 2,400 homes.

Minister Close said Bowden is redefining apartment and city living in Adelaide – setting very high standards as minimum requirements.

“More than 180 apartments and terraces have been sold and the first residents are now getting a taste of the lifestyle that Bowden and the surrounding area have to offer,” Dr Close said.

“This is a significant milestone in the decade-long transformation of Bowden and shows what can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together.

Bowden demonstrates South Australians are ready to embrace quality, architecturally designed, higher density living.

“Walkable tree-lined streets dotted with fresh street art, bike trails, parks and innovative housing designs are all part of the appeal.”

The first homes to be completed are:

• 56 Seventh Street Bowden – 16 one and two bedroom apartments built by ACDEV
• Loft on Seventh – 12 three-storey terraces built by Systembuilt
• Terraces on Sixth – six three-storey terraces built by Rivergum Homes
• Bowden Seven – 16 one, two, and three bedroom apartments built by Rossdale Homes.

Dr Close said Renewal SA is also preparing to release the largest site yet-to-be offered to developers since the transformation of Bowden began on 2012.

“This land release – one of the largest in Adelaide for the past few years – will ensure there continues to be quality apartments available to buy at Bowden to meet demand,” Dr Close said.

“The prime site for sale to a developer will face Bowden’s new town square, and follows the successful sell out of the Stage 1 development land.”

The land can accommodate three or four apartment buildings of between four and eight storeys, where a developer is expected to build up to 250 apartments in several stages.

The site-on-offer could generate about 300 jobs at Bowden and in the supply chain during construction.

Bowden features exciting retail and commercial spaces, an innovative public realm with shared streets and great parks in addition to existing tram, train and bike and cycle links to the city.