Renewal SA has commenced an open market tender process to secure an urban design consultant that can develop a world-leading vision and master plan for the once-in-a-generation transformation of the coveted former West End Brewery site.
The tender, which opens today, seeks to attract an experienced and innovative principal partner, with a vision to revitalise the high-profile Thebarton site into a $1 billion modern mixed-use sustainable community - a legacy piece for South Australians.
Early concept planning by Renewal SA, which will take formal possession of the site next week after purchasing it from brewing giant Lion in September, revealed intentions for a lively community catering for more than 1,000 new homes, including at least 20 per cent affordable housing, improved connections to the Adelaide Riverbank and Park Lands and adaptive reuse of heritage gems such as the Walkerville Brewhouse.
The principal consultant will be responsible for building upon that ambition to inform the final land use and configuration of the 8.4-hectare site, in consultation with the community and stakeholders.
Key outcomes being sought include:
- world-class built form incorporating key worker apartments, Build-to-Rent housing, and privately owned medium-to-high density dwellings to cater for a diverse community
- a seamlessly integrated neighbourhood featuring commercial, hospitality and retail activations to foster a dynamic new economy and further development activity on the city fringe
- celebration of the site’s unique heritage and riverbank location and delivery of quality social infrastructure and public amenities
- well considered links to surrounding infrastructure including public transport and the adjacent Park Lands to improve interactions and support neighbourhood rejuvenation
- high-quality landscape and public open space design driven by best practice sustainability standards, including water-and-biodiversity-sensitive urban design
- a development that builds on the urban regeneration already underway in the northwest corner of the city at Bowden
Fast-tracking early design and master planning will capitalise on the site’s ability to positively influence and combat strained market conditions thanks to its size and strategic location close to the city. It will also allow for early consultation with stakeholders and the community, setting the tone for the entire project.
Renewal SA Executive Director Property and Projects, Todd Perry, said the tender was an invitation for the sector to take part in a project that goes beyond construction – one that will help shape the city.
“The former West End Brewery site is an unparalleled opportunity, it is a project of immense significance so we are seeking an urban design partner with global thinking and best-in-class capabilities to deliver a vision and a master plan that will benefit generations of South Australians.”
Todd Perry, Renewal SA Executive Director Property and Projects
“We look forward to partnering and collaborating with an industry leader who shares our commitment to delivering a world-class urban precinct that sets a new standard for inner metropolitan living.”
It is expected that the successful design consortium includes South Australian-based consultants that can provide a deep understanding of the unique qualities that make South Australian communities so distinct.
The principal consultant will also be responsible for coordinating the input of sub-consultants engaged by Renewal SA including planning, civil engineering, services engineering, cultural heritage, quantity surveyor, sustainability and heritage.
Timely delivery of the master plan by June 2024 will enable the commencement of construction on site in 2025.
Tenders close at 4pm ACST 30 January 2024. To find out more visit tenders.sa.gov.au.
