When it comes to suburbs that have it all in SA you don’t need to look much further than Bowden. The old Clipsal site though rich in history, was all too recently not the most desirable location.
Fast forward four years since the redevelopment’s beginning… and what a transformation. If Bowden was a celebrity it would be Blake Lively. She’s stunning, she’s cute, she’s the perfect amalgamation of classic, modern, casual and chic, plus she’s a little quirky. It’s clear Bowden is going from strength to strength, just like Queen Blake (ok, aside from the little ‘The Shallows’ mishap she had recently.)
Every street features beautiful architecture, lush greenery, great apartments, hidden retail, businesses and cafes. All casually leading you to the jewel in the crown, Bowden Town Square.
The Bowden Town Square now consists of the gorgeous Town Park, the Bowden IGA and Plant 4 Bowden (later we’ll also see Plant 3 open here too) and this Saturday we saw the place come truly alive.
Glam and over 4000 other eager Adelaidians flocked to celebrate the biggest milestone in Bowden to date. Following a beautiful Welcome To Country, Minister Stephen Mulligan gave background on the hard work and dedication from Renewal SA, City of Charles Sturt Council and The Ceres Group (owners of Plant 4) that lead to the spectacular new community space.
Following the formalities all and sundry were free to enjoy every aspect of the space. From the food markets that will soon be occurring on Wednesdays, Friday nights and Saturdays in Plant 4, to the kids water play area and playground, to the restaurants cafes and bars that will slowly begin to open permanently in Plant 4 over the next few weeks.
There were free caricatures, henna and face painting. The sangria from Jarmer’s Kitchen provided a little more lubrication than needed and let’s just say we got a little over excited and perhaps overindulged in all three of the above. Drunk hindi Spiderman does not maketh for a good portrait.
We could also blame the above for us trying to partake in the Cirkidz circus workshops and free yoga and martial arts sessions. Let’s pray there’s no photo evidence of that. Both will be available in Bowden weekly though! So at least we can return and redeem ourselves, or at least attempt to.
Plant 4 has a clear focus on organic, health driven, local produce, much like it’s little sister The Market Shed on Holland. There are of course some indulgences to be had, but you’ll have to venture down there to check those out for yourself.
This was the perfect way to introduce the wider Adelaide to the wonderful suburb of Bowden. One things for certain, this is just the beginning and we know we’ll be back again… and again… and again.
Stay across all of the activities and future developments in the area via the Plant 4 Markets Facebook page.