Bowden

Bowden is the state government’s first higher density urban infill project. Located 2.5 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD on 16 hectares of land bordered by parklands, the project sets new standards in urban renewal.

Bowden is becoming an exciting integration of contemporary building and design innovation, adding to an already established community rich in culture and heritage.

The precinct’s earthy and gritty character is reflected through the use of unfinished and recycled materials complemented by a natural colour palette for buildings and streetscapes.

Bowden’s heritage of a once-thriving mixed use community is returning with the first residents now living in their new homes. The site is re-emerging as a place that’s once again full of life and action.

Its new streets are designed for pedestrians and bikes, with green open spaces and parks and easy access to public transport and other amenities.

The Bowden precinct is designed to be a safe, walkable urban neighbourhood a stone’s throw from the city. It provides energy efficient housing, affordable housing, and fosters a strong, diverse community.

Achieve a mixed use, walkable community of mid-rise apartments.

Completion of at least 15 per cent affordable housing for purchase and/or rent.

Develop the project’s main street.

The redevelopment of the former gasworks site, now known as the Bowden Heritage Precinct, is the next phase in the transformation of this former industrial area into a popular city fringe suburb that honours and enhances its rich heritage.

The site, formerly operated by Origin Energy, totals six hectares and is bounded by the Outer Harbor Railway Line, Drayton, Chief and Second streets.

In 2015 a section within the Bowden Heritage Precinct was provisionally entered into the State Heritage Register as a State Heritage Place. This listing was confirmed in October 2018.

It is important to note that in accordance with the Development Act 1993 development applications relating to provisional entries are assessed the same as confirmed entries.

Work is underway to transform what is now a derelict and fenced-off industrial site into a lively, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood combining retail, commercial, residential and community activity. The precinct will balance heritage and contemporary architecture to celebrate the industrial character of the site.

A strategy has been developed to retain eight structures of heritage and cultural significance, reflecting the fabric of the Bowden area.

Site works commenced in August 2018 with the demolition of other structures to enable broader development, improve accessibility through the precinct and showcase retained heritage structures. This will also help to connect the precinct with other stages of the Bowden project, delivering on the Bowden Master Plan’s commitment to connectivity. Once demolition is complete, remediation work will start in early 2019 to ensure the site is suitable for its intended use.

Ventia Utility Services and Senversa are currently on site undertaking final environmental investigations, the results of which will help to refine the strategy for the site’s remediation by Ventia. Ventia and Renewal SA will invite the community to a drop-in information session onsite about the remediation works, before they begin.

For more information please download the demolition, remediation and heritage updates.