The historic West End Brewery site in Thebarton is about to witness a significant transformation. The Malinauskas Labor Government has announced the acquisition of the iconic site to pave the way for the construction of more than 1,000 new homes. At least 20% of these will be affordable housing, a nod towards a more inclusive future for the area.
The 8.4-hectare Thebarton site, which has been purchased from Lion Beer Wine & Spirits Pty Ltd for a sum of $61.5 million, will undergo a detailed master-planning process. This initiative is spearheaded by Renewal SA, who will commence the planning phase early next year. The commencement of construction is set for 2025, with the properties available for purchase in the same year. By 2027, the first batch of residents will be able to call this revitalised site their home.
The government-led approach to the project ensures that the overarching objective remains community-centric. While private sector participation is encouraged across various phases such as planning, design, and construction, the central focus will be on delivering key community outcomes swiftly. By taking this direction, Renewal SA aims to prioritise community necessities, like affordable housing, over profit.
Diving deeper into the future vision of the site, it is planned as a mixed-used precinct. While housing remains at the forefront, the precinct will also open doors for significant commercial, hospitality, retail, and Government tenancies. This promises to cultivate a lively new community, ushering in a thriving daytime economy.
Incorporating history into modernity, the site’s historic structures will be meticulously preserved. These include the Walkerville Brewhouse, footings of Colonel William Light’s Cottage, and the Riverbank Garden. Additionally, the brewery’s former Electricity Transformer building and a plaque marking the site of Colonel Light’s cottage will also find their place in the masterplan.
Residents and visitors can look forward to the continuation of the Riverbank Christmas Lights Display, a treasured event that pulls in around 300,000 visitors annually. The City of West Torrens will retain its custodianship of this festivity.
Economically, this project packs a punch. With an estimated construction and development value circling $1 billion, it is projected to create 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs during its construction phase. Once completed, about 187 new retail positions will also be available.
Its prime location, a mere 2km from the CBD and 7km from Adelaide Airport, coupled with a vast 250-metre frontage to arterial Port Road, makes this site promising. The site also offers convenient access to prominent city landmarks, transport options, and institutions.
Peter Malinauskas expressed the state government’s commitment, stating, “The State Government is serious about delivering more housing for South Australians… Everyone deserves a place to call home, and this development will make that dream a reality for thousands of South Australians.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nick Champion remarked, “It is almost unheard of to get an infill site of this scale in any capital city… It is our intention to create a world-class precinct.”
Chris Menz, Renewal SA’s chief executive, highlighted the collaborative nature of this endeavor, stating, “We’ll be looking for the best of local and interstate experience and investment… great outcomes are achieved when government and private sector work hand-in-hand.”
The West End Brewery site has a rich tapestry of history dating back to the 1830s. From the days of Colonel Light’s Thebarton cottage to its rebranding over the years and the unfortunate closure in 2021, this site has witnessed many phases, with the latest announcement being one of the biggest to date.
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