The redevelopment of the former Brompton Gasworks is set to deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to South Australia following the selection of highly regarded developer MAB Corporation as the Preferred Proponent to reinvent the 5.81-hectare site.
Key highlights of the MAB proposal include:
- Investment of $459 million in capital expenditure in the site over the life of the project
- The highest economic impact of all proponents during both the construction and operational phases
- An average of 190 South Australian construction jobs supported per year over the 10-year development cycle with an expected 310 jobs on site during the peak year
- A further 730-1000 ongoing jobs once completed.
MAB's market-leading vision will deliver a masterplanned village made up of 207 townhouses, 305 market sale apartments, 120 Nightingale Housing zero-carbon affordable apartments and up to 200 build-to-rent and aged care dwellings, plus a commitment to remediating the site to the highest EPA standards.
The MAB proposal will also see the adaptive reuse, restoration and opening of former gasworks structures including the heritage-listed Retort House, chimney stack, tunnels and Chief St wall as part of a 11,500m2 Heritage Quarter that will feature a 120-room hotel, employment hub and an integrated commercial and retail offering. The result will generate unprecedented levels of entertainment, economic activity and social vibrancy within the Bowden Precinct.
Around 1.5 hectares – or approximately 25% of the total site – will also be transformed into high-quality, publicly accessible open space, with substantial investment committed to public infrastructure including bike paths and walkways, and seamless integration with the existing Bowden Precinct and nearby train and tram stops.
The development achieves a 6 Star Green Star community rating which represents ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable practices and, in a South Australian first, all power across the project will be delivered via 100% renewable energy provided through rooftop solar.
Concept designs of the proposed Heritage Quarter within the Gasworks Precinct
A yearly average of 190 South Australian construction jobs will be generated over the 10-year development cycle with an expected 310 jobs at the height of construction works. Up to 1000 ongoing jobs will be created in the precinct once complete, while Renewal SA’s Works Program will also offer opportunities to trainees, graduates and social enterprises.
Renewal SA Chief Executive Chris Menz said MAB’s commitment to remediation is a major win for the South Australian community not only because it will remove source contamination from the site, thus making it safe for future generations, but because it also contributes to a reduction in the government’s overall capital expenditure by $66.5 million – a significant taxpayer saving.
“The former Gasworks site has always been part of the long-term vision for the completion of the award-winning Bowden redevelopment, and MAB has an unrivalled ability to deliver on complex planning outcomes for major projects and an established track record of creating outstanding public places,” Mr Menz said.
“MAB’s development will deliver an active and vibrant mixed-use precinct that blends heritage, sustainability and community in a way that integrates with and is complementary to what’s already been created, while providing upgrades to assist the intent to revitalise the City and surrounding area.”
An artist impression of MAB’s proposed redevelopment of the former Bowden Gasworks site
Developments undertaken by MAB Corporation include Victoria’s largest masterplanned mixed-use community, Merrifield, in Melbourne’s north west. It has also redefined Melbourne’s skyline by delivering 14 mixed use towers within the Docklands precinct to date, including the NewQuay village.
MAB’s outstanding proposed team for the project include Tier 1 remediation contractors Enviropacific, award-winning, zero carbon affordable housing developer Nightingale Housing, hospitality specialists Duxton Pubs, and build-to-rent delivery partner Australian Unity Superannuation.
Its proposed team has significant experience in remediating former gasworks sites including Millers Point Gasworks (NSW), Fitzroy Gasworks (Vic) and Osborne Gasworks (SA).
The former Gasworks site will represent the MAB’s entry into the South Australian market, with the company using the project to establish an Adelaide office.
Renewal SA will now begin exclusive negotiations with MAB to finalise key commercial terms, with a view to entering a Development Agreement before the end of the financial year.
About Bowden
Bowden is a multi-award-winning development that has set new standards for urban design that is truly people-focused. It showcases the benefits of public and private sector working together to produce both an inspiring place to live and strong commercial outcomes for those who invest.
Located 2.5 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD on 16 hectares of land bordered by parklands, the project maximises convenience, accessibility and sustainability with outstanding links to the CBD and surrounds.
To date, some 15 individual local and national developers have invested in Bowden, delivering in excess of 850 dwellings either completed or under construction. Bowden is already home to more than 1200 residents.