Public servants targeted to buy in on West End Brewery site housing plan

The state government will directly target public servants for sales in what it says is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”.

Public servants will be directly targeted to buy into a lucrative land release with Planning Minister Nick Champion prioritising government employees for housing at the former West End Brewery site.

Mr Champion says a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to masterplan the city-adjacent former West End Brewery site into a housing community is up for grabs,” as the government searches for a lead urban design consultant.

Minister for Housing & Urban Development Nick Champion with Premier Peter Malinauskas on the West End Brewery re-development site. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Creating more affordable housing for essential workers like those in health, police, retail and hospitality will be a strong focus for the site,” he said.

His staff says these workers will be targeted for the sales, and will be “be strongly encouraging and marketing these affordable homes and rentals to these groups.

“It will be open to everyone but they (public servants) will be directly encouraged,” the government says.

An open market tender process is being undertaken to secure principal partner to develop the master plan.

In September, the government announced plans to build more than 1000 new homes – incorporating at least 20 per cent affordable housing – at the Thebarton

site.

The government reached an agreement with Lion Beer Wine & Spirits Pty Ltd (Lion) to purchase the 8.4ha land for $61.5m.

Officials say early concept planning by Renewal SA shows the space would allow for more than 1000 new homes.

Commencement of construction on site is expected by 2025.

Mr Champion said: “ It is critical that we expedite the delivery of additional housing options along this well- serviced corridor, so we are acting quickly to get these early planning elements in place to hit the ground running.

“The brewery was a city icon for 135 years, so we want this to become a legacy piece, a benchmark for innovative, sustainable urban development and a celebration of the site’s unique culture and historical significance.

Renewal SA executive property director Todd Perry said: “It is a project of immense significance so we are seeking an urban design partner with global thinking and best-in-class capabilities to deliver a vision and a master plan that will benefit generations of South Australians.”