Tapangka on Franklin

The former Adelaide Bus Station site on Franklin Street is set to be transformed into a landmark urban precinct known as Tapangka, a multi-million-dollar development that will establish a new benchmark in sustainable city living.

Renewal SA will oversee the transformation of this strategically located site into a vibrant, mixed-use community, which is envisaged to be delivered as Adelaide’s first carbon-neutral precinct. Tapangka, pronounced Tup-un-gar, is envisaged to feature two mixed-use towers anchored by a central signature building, which is targeting a 6 Star Green Star certification.

The development will introduce approximately 392 new apartments to the CBD, including the target for Adelaide’s first institutional build-to-rent offering for the city centre. A minimum of 35% of all dwellings will be delivered as affordable housing, including apartments for rent and purchase.

The precinct will incorporate commercial and retail spaces to support a lively and integrated urban community.

In addition to its residential and environmental credentials, Tapangka is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. During the construction phase, the project is forecast to generate more than 1,300 jobs and contribute over $161 million in Gross Value Add to the South Australian economy. This transformative development will be a flagship example of sustainable, inclusive and future-focused urban renewal in the heart of Adelaide.

*Subject to planning and approvals

Renewal SA acquired this site from City of Adelaide in February 2024 and immediately released a Request for Offer to the market for a consultant to lead the critical development of a sustainability strategy for the project.

The Draft Sustainability Strategy was completed in August 2024. It was developed simultaneously with the project's Draft Initial Master Plan, ahead of community engagement which occurred in the second half of 2024.

Renewal SA agreed with the City of Adelaide for the site and buildings to retain current operation until Q1 2026, including carparking, to support the Adelaide Central Market redevelopment while planning work is completed for the project and The Joinery.

Tapangka on Franklin sits on Kaurna Yerta (Kaurna Country) in Tarndanya (place of the Red Kangaroo), which is the Kaurna name for the site of Adelaide. This link to Kaurna heritage will be celebrated in Tapangka’s development, from its planning and design to its on-going cultural life.

Renewal SA aims to incorporate and celebrate First Nations culture as part of its delivery approach for the site and will engage the Kaurna community as part of its commitment to reconciliation and to ensure Culture and Country are appropriately interwoven into the project.

Renewal SA’s bold vision for Tapangka places the human experience at the core of the built environment, aiming to create one of the most vibrant and inclusive residential developments in the state.

This innovative approach to city living is inspired by the experience of following a path: a path to reconciliation, home ownership, towards sustainability and partnership. In Kaurna language, this experience is known as Tapangka.

Renewal SA is committed to engaging key stakeholders and the local community throughout the planning and design process for the Tapangka on Franklin project. In August 2024, Renewal SA invited the local community to share their views, with the information provided and subsequent Engagement Report available in the resources section below.