Brompton gasworks site put on market by Renewal SA – now Crows must impress

A new vision for the former Brompton gasworks site has been revealed, and now it’s up to the Crows to prove they can build a “city-defining” new home.

Developers interested in acquiring the former Brompton gasworks site have been asked to set aside close to a quarter of the land as public open space, nearly double the typical requirement for major housing projects.

Renewal SA formally opened a tender process on Thursday, revealing a set of guiding principles likely to shape the future of the 5.81ha site.

Its vision is for a combination of housing, retail outlets, commercial premises and recreational spaces that “complement and strengthen the surrounding community”.

At least 1.26ha, or 22 per cent, of the site expected to be set aside for public open space such as parks, playgrounds and public plazas. That compares with the 12.5 per cent requirement set out under the state’s current planning rules for large subdivisions.

The former Brompton gasworks site is on the market. Supplied by Renewal SA

The guiding principles also invite developers to submit their proposals to retain and re-use historic structures including the state heritage-listed Retort House, a chimney and a bluestone wall on Chief St.

Offers are being invited for all of the land or one of two individual parcels divided by East St, with the new owners responsible for extensive remediation prior to development.

The Adelaide Crows have previously indicated the site is one of two being considered for its proposed new training and administrative headquarters, and the club is expected to put in a bid with property developer Ross Pelligra.

A typical football oval such as Adelaide Oval measures around 1.6ha, representing around 28 per cent of the former gasworks site, and it is understood the Crows would need to allow public access in order for a training oval to meet the “public open space” requirements.

Heritage structures at the former Brompton gasworks site including the Retort House, a chimney, and a bluestone wall on Chief St. Supplied by Renewal SA

Renewal SA chief executive Chris Menz declined to comment on specific details around a potential Crows bid but said Renewal SA was “open to alternative and creative ways to address community public space”.

He said a potential Crows bid would be judged on its merits alongside proposals from other groups.

“We’re aware of their strong interest – we’re also aware that we’re one of a number of options for them and I expect that they will continue to pursue all those options,” he said.

“They are only one of several groups that have shown their strong interest over the past six or eight months. Anyone from developers with remediation groups, the Crows made their intentions clear, and other significant users, particularly at the heritage area, have come forward.

“If it’s the best offer and the best vision and outcome, then they’ll (Crows) succeed, but we are looking for the best outcome for the site and for the local area.”

Adelaide Football Club chairman John Olsen. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Adelaide Crows chairman John Olsen revealed in May that the club had narrowed down its search for a new base, to either the gasworks site or Thebarton Oval, after it shelved plans for a new training and administrative facility at the Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide.

The club has been contacted for comment.

A potential residential component of the project is expected to include a mix of apartments and townhouses, similar to the earlier stages of Renewal SA’s broader Bowden development.

Mr Menz said that required a higher ratio of public open space.

“You’re going to need it around the heritage buildings anyway, we’d suggest, and our view is that higher density communities work best around open space,” he said.

Registrations of interest close on September 2, with a shortlist then invited to submit a master plan. A minimum of 15 per cent affordable housing would be required for any residential development.

International property firm JLL has been appointed to manage the early stages of the tender process.

Originally published as Brompton gasworks site put on market by Renewal SA – now Crows must impress