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 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.

A series of supplementary environmental site investigations — including sampling and analysis of soil, soil vapour and groundwater — was recently completed in areas not previously assessed. These investigations were undertaken to refine the understanding of the site contamination issues and the risk-based, site-specific remediation strategy for the site.

So far, the data from these investigations appear to be consistent with data collected previously on site. With these site investigations complete, only minor investigations are now required onsite ahead of remediation work starting in early 2020 to ensure the site is suitable for its intended use.

Renewal SA held two drop-in sessions on 31 July and 3 August 2019 for the local community to learn about the upcoming remediation of the former Brompton Gasworks site (Bowden Heritage Precinct).

This gave locals the opportunity to learn about this phase of the redevelopment from Renewal SA, remediation contractor Ventia, consultant Senversa and EPA-accredited auditor Bluesphere Environmental.

For further information, please call Ventia’s Community Contact Line at 1800 009 414 or email bromptonremediation@ventia.com.au.