Chance of a lifetime

The site offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Adelaide to set new standards in urban revitalisation and integrated transit planning for Australian cities.

On 23 April 2011, former Premier Mike Rann and Patrick Conlon, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, announced that the project had been given final approval with the Government of South Australia to invest more than $264 million over the next decade to help deliver a high quality, sustainable community on the city fringe. A plan was also released for the entire 16-hectare development which will eventually be home for 3,500 people.

The first stage between Sixth and Seventh Streets in what will become a $1 billion-plus, 10-12 year project to provide Adelaide with its first inner-urban residential village, will comprise more than 120 terraces, townhouses and apartments due to become available in 2012-2013.

The Government of South Australia purchased the 10.25ha former Clipsal Australia site in November 2008 from the Gerard Corporation and the 5.9ha Origin Energy Site (formerly the Brompton Gasworks) adjacent to the Clipsal site in March 2010. The Government of South Australia is the development facilitator and encumbrancee.

Key attractions for residents

A key attraction for residents will be the quality of housing available and local jobs, providing a real sense of differentiation and choice from the standard residential options both in the inner city and the newer outlying suburbs.

The government's investment of $264 million will provide the core infrastructure of the village – the roads, parks, open spaces and other essential services. Private sector development will provide the buildings to accommodate residents, cafés, restaurants and office workers to build up the character of this unique village.

Quality not left to chance

The quality of this development, though, will not be left to chance. A Design Review Panel will review all design proposals by the developers and builders involved in delivering the various stages of the project, ensuring that all the design principles embedded in the project's Urban Design Guidelines are respected.

Apart from its attractive community, urban design and housing choice, one of the main features of the Bowden development will be its use of cutting edge technology to achieve environmental sustainability – making it a vibrant sustainable community.