Contracts are being finalised for the sales of the first 17 townhouses at Southwark Grounds, known as Founder’s Row, just weeks after hitting the market.

The sales come as Blag Homes near completion on frames and roofs, with Renewal SA delivering on its promise to kick-start the transformation of the former West End Brewery site on Port Road by year’s end.

Dozens of ‘Notice of Intent’ documents were lodged for the townhouses, signalling strong buyer interest in the development. Buyers were then selected through a fair and independent ballot process.

George and Brittany, a young couple who were successful in their application for a one-bedroom townhouse took their first look at the build on the weekend and were pleased with how far it has come

“It’s surreal to be honest. Even a few weeks ago I wouldn’t have imagined this would be possible,” George said.

Given the early popularity of Southwark Grounds, Brittany said she thought it would be a long shot that they would be successful in their application for the home.

“We registered, got up to date with all the information, spoke to a broker, scrambled to get our finances in order to enter this ballot and fast forward a couple of weeks later and we were successful,” she said.

Expecting to move into their two-storey townhouse in 2026, the couple said they were looking forward to the convenience Southwark Grounds will bring to their life.

“It’s so close to the city, so it’s close to work for us, it’s close to the beach, there’s so much happening in this area, we have friends this side of town, we have a friend opening a bar down the road, it’s perfect for us,” Brittany said.

Joseph Ielasi and his partner Casey will also be among the founding residents of Southwark Grounds, when their three-bedroom townhouse is ready late next year.

“Being selected for the first release at Southwark Grounds is incredibly exciting for us,” Mr Ielasi said.

“As young professionals, we were looking for a home that combines thoughtful design with a location that genuinely supports the way we live.

“The quality and character of the architecture immediately stood out, particularly the way it acknowledges the history of the site.

“Being so close to the city and the River Torrens offers an ideal balance of connectivity and lifestyle.

“Founders’ Row aligns with how we live today and how we see our lives developing into the future. We are proud to be part of the first chapter of Southwark Grounds"

This milestone marks the first major achievement for the 1,300-home precinct and sets the stage for a broader construction and sales program in the year ahead.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said the progress reflects a year of intense focus and collaboration.

“We are incredibly proud of how far this project has come and where it’s heading,” Mr Wingard said.

“It has been a significant undertaking by all parties to get to this point, requiring close collaboration between our project partners, and between both public and private sectors.”

Next year will see momentum grow with a 150-home apartment and townhouse development set to break ground.

The partnership between local firm Otello and national developer Fortis is the largest of the developer-led building projects secured to date.

Located on the corner of Holland and Winwood Street overlooking the River Torrens/Karawirra Parri, the project will offer a range of sizes and layouts and include retail facilities.

Mr Wingard said the project’s strategic positioning lends the site to compliment nearby hospitality offerings with a vision of an integrated mixed-use precinct in the not-too-distant future.

Three more development groups will also begin early sales and construction next year.

Samaras Group will deliver a boutique apartment building fronting the future Colonel Light Plaza, Contour Property will introduce 40 townhouses under the West Village banner and Kolabb will add 26 townhouses to be known as Anderson Lane.

Together, these partners will deliver one-third of Southwark Grounds, securing commitments to develop four of the six land parcels released to the market in April.

Negotiations continue on the remaining two parcels, including the master-precinct development site delivering more than 1,000 homes and a substantial portion of public realm, including the renewal of the Walkerville Brew Tower.

Mr Wingard said that once contracts are finalised, each development will support the requirement to deliver at least 20% affordable housing within the precinct.

“Housing diversity and affordability will be key to creating a dynamic and vibrant community at Southwark Grounds,” Mr Wingard said.

Meanwhile, South Australian civil construction firm Catcon has begun a civil and streetscape program to prepare the broader 8.4-hectare area for private development partners to start building in 2026.

“You know you’re working on something truly special when the market responds with such enthusiasm,” he said.

Renewal SA invited developer interest through a market sounding process in December last year, followed by a formal Request for Proposal in April.

Damon Semanic and Andrew Tomlin – Contour Property

Contour is incredibly proud to be delivering a project at Southwark Grounds. It reflects the confidence placed in our vision, our delivery capability, and our long-standing commitment to high-quality urban development.

We’re delighted to be working with Renewal SA again at Southwark Grounds. This is one of Adelaide’s most important regeneration precincts, and it’s a privilege to contribute to shaping what we believe will become Adelaide’s next great neighbourhood.

Our project will deliver 40 Torrens Title townhomes in a truly premier location, directly opposite Colonel Light Plaza. The inclusion of eight affordable homes is a deliberate and meaningful part of the development, ensuring the precinct continues to support a diverse, well-balanced community without compromising on design quality or liveability.

Karl Fielke – Kolabb

Anderson Lane is a place designed for living well. Featuring a unique pocket park, and 26 architecturally designed one-to-four-bedroom townhomes, Kolabb's vision is to create a connected and sustainable community that reflects the character of Southwark Grounds, while offering choice for first homebuyers, professional couples and Adelaide families

Daniel Harris – Otello

Otello was inspired by Renewal SA’s Southwark Grounds vision from the outset, drawn to its commitment to design-led, multi-residential living within a master-planned precinct that champions vibrant urban lifestyles just moments from the city.

Positioned at the corner of Holland and Winwood Streets, the site will serve as a dynamic gateway connecting Southwark Grounds with the established suburb of Southwark. This active interface contrasts beautifully with the northern boundary, which offers a tranquil, green escape overlooking the Karrawirra Pari/Torrens River.

This unique location presents an exciting opportunity. Guided by Otello’s core values, the development will deliver a diverse mix of accessible, design-focused homes. To bring this vision to life, Otello has partnered with the nationally acclaimed, premium development manager Fortis as a joint venture partner. This will be complemented by the award-winning architect, Fieldwork, the design lead who will translate the project's objectives into integrated design for the project.

The project will feature more than 150 residences, encompassing a variety of housing types. Over 20% of these homes will be designated as affordable housing, complemented by a selection of two- and three-bedroom apartments and premium riverfront townhouses

Chris Samaras – Samaras

Our team at Samaras Construction & Developments is very excited to be part of this landmark transformation at Southwark Grounds.

Alongside the broader precinct vision, we look forward to unveiling our project, one of the first apartment offerings within the Southwark Grounds redevelopment, designed with a focus on quality, liveability and long-term value. Early previews and pre-registration will open in early 2026.

We commend the State Government and Renewal SA for their leadership and foresight.

Joe Blagojevic – Blag Homes

Construction is moving well across the 17-townhouse program. Around 70% of frames are now complete and we expect to reach 90% frame completion by year-end.

The three affordable homes, Lots 9, 10 and 11 already have frames up and roofs on, showing strong delivery in the priority segment.

Roofing is advancing to plan, with completion expected to reach around 40% before Christmas.

We are targeting to commence external cladding/brickwork early February.

Overall, the project is on track for end of 2026 practical completion.