Global design firm Arup has been appointed as the chief urban design consultant to master plan the former West End Brewery site in Thebarton, South Australia. Arup’s portfolio boasts sustainable and innovative precincts such as Battersea Power Station in London, Mixity in Amsterdam, and the La Trobe University City of the Future in Melbourne.
Arup will spearhead the makeover of the Port Road parcel, steering a squad of Australian and South Australian-based companies including Breathe Architects and the highly awarded landscape architects TCL. The consortium’s combined international and local expertise is expected to make the Thebarton development one of the most thoughtfully planned projects ever delivered in South Australia.
Plans for the 8.4-hectare site cater for a contemporary, mixed-use community. The design will incorporate residential, commercial, and retail spaces along with public green spaces. Furthermore, 20% of the 1,000 new homes will be affordable housing options. The billion-dollar redevelopment seeks to set a new global benchmark for mixed-use development and foster positive community outcomes.
The project will champion sustainability through integrated design encompassing water, energy, mobility, and biodiversity. The revamp envisages a liveable community with inclusive public spaces, vibrant streets and a diverse blend of programs, events, commercial, hospitality and retail prospects. The scheme will respect the site’s heritage structures and stories.
Nick Champion MP, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, said “We aspire to shape a world-class precinct in Thebarton and selecting urban design experts Arup will assist in attaining our project objectives. The emblematic former brewery venue is a significant parcel of land that offers immense potential, given its proximity to the city, Park Lands, transport alternatives and the medical precinct. We can provide a varied range of high-quality homes and public spaces to foster a local community with an enviable lifestyle. This undertaking will manufacture job opportunities for the local economy and, once operational, will be a perfect home for essential workers.”
Malcolm Smith, Arup Design Director, expressed delight at the appointment and commitment to implement design-led processes, in partnership with Renewal SA. “Our team will assess the manner in which each element of these mixed-use residential communities can operate in synergy to achieve environmental, financial and social sustainability. We look forward to tapping into local insights to co-create urban spaces that resonate culturally and respond to community needs. Our objective is to design a precinct that meets the challenges of time, providing ecological and community advantages while stimulating local investment.”
Initial design and master planning workouts will commence immediately. This early commencement exploits the site’s potential to positively impact market conditions due to its size, prime location and accessibility. Also, it enables starting consultation with the community and stakeholders, including Traditional landowners, thus setting the course for the complete project.
The announcement concluded with the Urban Development Institute of Australia – SA endorsing the government’s efforts to swiftly deliver housing. They have expressed excitement about the government’s partnership with local builders and developers to expedite delivery of urgently needed housing following the completion of the master plan.
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