More than 1000 new homes as government reaches $61.5m agreement to buy West End Brewery site at Thebarton

The future of the West End Brewery site at Thebarton has finally been revealed, with the government to buy the site for a huge sum. See the plans.

Artist impressions of the plans for the West End Brewery site at Thebarton. Picture: SA Government

More than 1000 new homes will be constructed on the site of the former West End Brewery at Thebarton, with the state government set to acquire the land for $61.5m.

Of the homes to be built on the 8.4-hectare site, at least 20 per cent will be affordable.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Sunday the government had reached an agreement to purchase the site from brewing giant Lion, ending years of speculation about its future.

The West End Brewery is set to be transformed. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

The Advertiser revealed this month the government development authority, Renewal SA, was the preferred bidder for the prime site, after entering exclusive negotiations with Lion.

Master-planning of the site will begin next year, before construction is expected to start in 2025 and the first residents move in by 2027.

The precinct will prioritise housing, with opportunities for commercial, hospitality, retail and government tenancies also available.

Aerial view of West End brewery site at Port Rd, Thebarton. Picture: Supplied by Beyond Property

Artist impressions of the plans for the West End Brewery site at Thebarton. Picture: SA Government

Consideration will be given to preserving and highlighting historic structures, including the Walkerville Brewhouse, footings of Colonel William Light’s Cottage and Riverbank Garden.

The brewery closed in June 2021 following 135 years of brewing operations.

The cleared West End Brewery re-development site on Sunday. Picture: Matt Loxton

Revelations the government was in the box seat to acquire the land sparked backlash from developers, who argued Renewal SA should not be competing with the open market to buy development-ready sites.

The Walkerville Brewhouse Tower, which is part of the West End site, was built in 1886 and on the State Heritage Register. Picture: DEW

“Out-bidding the market on taxpayer funds risks driving pricing higher, and that would ultimately get charged to the end user, exacerbating affordability issues,” Urban Development Institute of Australia SA chief executive Liam Golding said this month.

Renewal SA’s bid trumped earlier offers from groups including Perth-based housing group Peet, local developer Amulet Property and a joint venture between Commercial & General and McMahon Services.

Mr Malinauskas responded that moves by the government to step in and buy key pieces of land for development were helping to address the current supply issues within the housing market.

On Sunday, he said the acquisition represented “an incredible opportunity to develop a prime site near the city”.

“Importantly, the state government masterplanning this site ensures the community’s needs will be prioritised, while also providing lucrative opportunities for local workers and businesses,” he said.

“Everyone deserves a place to call home and this development will make that dream a reality for thousands of South Australians.”

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said “it is almost unheard of to get an infill site of this scale in any capital city, so we seized the opportunity”.

“We will draw inspiration from other high-quality urban infill projects like Bowden,” he said.

Renewal SA chief executive Chris Menz said his department would look to leverage the resources and expertise of the private sector to deliver the project.