Sentinel Australia has secured approval from the State Commission Assessment Panel for its transformative multi-million-dollar institutional build-to-rent project at Bowden.
This development marks a significant step for Sentinel as it expands its presence in the Australian market.
Situated on the corner of Third and Gibson streets with prime frontage to Bowden Town Park, the premium 240-apartment building will be purpose-built for renters, delivering South Australia’s newest innovative housing model at scale.
With a focus on premium living and sustainability, the sophisticated rental community will offer a range of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments across 12 storeys, catering to various household needs and preferences while also providing flexibility during different life stages of a renter.
To be managed under Sentinel Australia’s recently established Australian property management brand, Kinleaf, the pet-friendly community will boast an array of resident amenities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, resident lounge, barbeque facilities, and two open green terraces on the podium level.
In addition, the ground floor will feature retail spaces, including the Kinleaf management and leasing office, Small Office Home Office spaces, and other commercial tenancies.
It will also feed into a curated laneway, which will be designed to provide a vibrant connection to Bowden Railway Station.
The development underscores Renewal SA’s commitment to seeking out partnerships which will enhance the availability of high-quality housing options for South Australians while embracing sustainability principles. Bowden is a certified 6-Star Green Star Communities precinct, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable communities in the nation.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the development will target carbon-neutral certification, a minimum 5-Star Green Star rating, and a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating upon completion. Features such as EV charging stations, ample bike parking, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels for common area energy supply, and recycled water usage will contribute to eco-friendly living. It will also include provision for multiple recycling streams to help residents reduce landfill waste and will include a significant amount of green landscaping throughout the development.
Renewal SA Chief Executive Chris Menz said the Sentinel Australia development marks South Australia's most significant venture into built-to-rent housing to date. And that this pioneering initiative is poised to showcase the viability of South Australia as an attractive investment opportunity in this burgeoning asset class whilst addressing the critical need for additional housing options.
“This is an important and exciting step forward as Adelaide attracts global investment to help deliver a greater choice to tenants,” Mr Menz said.
Keith Lucas, Sentinel's Managing Director in Australia, said Sentinel were thrilled to bring this innovative project to fruition, offering high-quality, sustainable living options within the vibrant Bowden precinct.
“We are pleased to receive approval for what will be South Australia’s first purpose-built institutional build-to-rent community. Across our portfolio, our focus is on delivering high-quality and sustainable living outcomes for renters with well-designed apartments, access to range of amenities and dedicated leasing, management and maintenance teams on-site to provide residents with a more convenient and refined rental experience,” Mr Lucas said.
“The development is designed to offer South Australians greater housing choice and to add to the vibrancy of the walkable and inviting Bowden urban village. We’re proud to be bringing the innovative housing model to Adelaide.”
Bowden is the state government’s first higher density urban infill revitalisation project. Located just 2.5 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD on 16 hectares of land, it sets new standards for urban renewal in South Australia, as a vibrant inner-city destination. It is estimated more than 3,000 new residents will call the precinct home over the coming years.
Bowden is designed to be a safe and walkable urban neighbourhood, with a focus on fostering a strong, diverse community and providing more sustainable and energy-efficient housing. The streets are designed for pedestrians and bikes, with green open spaces, parks, easy access to public transport and other essential and lifestyle amenities all in close proximity.
In further service to South Australia, the Sentinel Australia project will facilitate a series of work experience placements for job seekers and high school students, to be run as part of Renewal SA’s social enterprise program, the Works Program.
Construction of the apartment community will commence by the end of Q1 next year and is expected to create more than 250 jobs for South Australians throughout its construction and operation.
