Peet Limited have been named as the preferred proponent for the Tonsley retail hub following Renewal SA's call for expressions of interest to purchase and develop an allotment west of the award-winning Main Assembly Building (MAB).

As managers of the Tonsley Innovation District, Renewal SA is now negotiating a sales contract with Peet to purchase the 1.1 hectare land parcel for retail and mixed use purposes.

Renewal SA's acting Chief Executive Mark Devine stated that the retail hub is vital in realising the Tonsley vision of a vibrant, mixed-use precinct encompassing industry, research, education and residential.

“It is set to become one of Tonsley’s meeting, entertainment and retail places, and a hospitality drawcard for southern Adelaide.” - Mark Devine, acting Chief Executive, Renewal SA

The allotment marked for building the retail hub is adjacent Tonsley’s main western entrance, with the landscaped Western Plaza on the main thoroughfare leading to Clovelly Park railway station.

Brendan Gore, Peet's Managing Director and CEO, noted the hub’s proposed design would transition seamlessly between indoors and outdoors.

“The concept embraces an open-air feel, with tables and chairs spilling out to paved outdoors areas, all wrapped up in green surrounds and will be a refreshing move away from the closed-in mall experience.” Brendan Gore, Managing Director and CEO, Peet

“Our vision for the centre includes a supermarket with a focus on fresh food and organic products, plus speciality stores, cafés and restaurants. Office spaces will be built above the retail outlets, enabling workers to take advantage of the cafés and restaurants before, during and after work hours, further activating the precinct,” said Mr Gore.

He also said that in line with people’s lifestyles and changing consumer behaviour it was envisaged that the retail and hospitality outlets would be able to trade over extended hours.