The initial designs have been unveiled for a striking new development in Bowden aimed at addressing the area’s housing needs while providing essential public parking solutions.
The eye-catching 12-storey residential building, conceptualised by renowned architectural firm ARM, promises to redefine the Bowden precinct with its bold design and diverse offerings.
“This striking new development will be a feature of Bowden’s skyline,” Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, says.
Situated opposite Plant 3 and 4, the Third Street development will comprise 80 affordable rental apartments, along with 4 Torrens titled warehouse lofts available for purchase.
The project will provide 221 public car parks, 4 ground floor retail/commercial spaces, an open-air function space, and a garden terrace on the 7th floor for residents to enjoy.
“Bowden demands clever design and construction, and this building will become a positive legacy for the precinct,” Chris Menz, Chief Executive Renewal SA, says.
“It takes active measures to help ease the state’s current housing situation via the delivery of 80 affordable rental apartments in a market that is becoming more challenging for everyday working South Australians; it provides multiple opportunities to add to Bowden’s curation of retail spaces; and it provides provision for a permanent public car parking solution for the Bowden community.”
Initial plans for the Third Street property originally envisioned 60 apartments, but through design refinements, an additional 24 apartments have been unlocked—a 40% increase, offering much-needed housing options for South Australians.
“As we tackle a housing crisis, I’m happy we have been able to increase the density through detailed design to add an additional 20 affordable rental apartments to this development,” Champion says.
Managed by Renewal SA and operated long-term by a Community Housing Provider (CHP), the development will cater to tenants seeking studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, with provisions for specialist disability accommodation.
A significant aspect of the project is the construction of a new public multideck car park within the lower levels of the building.
This paid car park, to be managed by a private commercial operator, is poised to alleviate parking congestion for both residents and visitors to Bowden. Importantly, the building’s design allows for potential conversion of some parking levels into additional housing units, should future demand necessitate it.
In addition to the residential and parking components, the project includes the reconstruction of Field Lane, serving as a vital pedestrian route between Third and Second streets, enhancing connectivity between Plant 3 and 4 and the Bowden Train Station.
“The design is inspired by Bowden’s industrial past, and its significant history contributing to building much of Adelaide,” Philippe Naudin, ARM Architecture, says.
“Our architecture translates aspects of this rich narrative through icons and recognisable motifs – house symbols, distinctive sawtooth roofs, repetitive truss patterns, even subtle nods to the iconic Clipsal fittings – creating a playful design language that’s both contextual and distinctive, paying homage to past stories and familiar forms.
“We are looking forward to these stories being discovered, lived in, and further enriched by the community that inhabits them.”
To secure funding support, the government plans to submit a first-round proposal to the Federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility. This collaborative effort with the Community Housing sector aims to ensure the ongoing affordability of the rental apartments.
Preparation for the multi-million-dollar development is set to begin in the coming months, with the first residents expected to move in by the beginning of 2026.
Renewal SA has initiated a second-stage tender process to select builders for the project in partnership with ARM, while the selection of a CHP partner is underway following an initial shortlisting process earlier this month.
With its innovative design, commitment to affordability, and focus on addressing community needs, the Bowden Third Street development promises to be a welcome addition to the vibrant landscape of Bowden.
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