Developers asked to provide best pitches, ideas for $1 billion Thebarton housing project at old West End site

Adelaide’s most significant city-fringe housing development – on the old West End site at Thebarton – has hit a new milestone, as a new image is revealed.

A billion-dollar housing development billed as one of the most significant in the state’s recent history has take a major step forward.

The 1000-home neighbourhood for the old West End Brewery site at Thebarton will include spaces for cafes, shops, businesses, community hubs and government offices, as well as a swath of green space.

It aims to set a new benchmark in city-fringe living and will provide medium-to-high density homes with views of the parklands, river or city.

The state government is now conducting a ‘market-sounding exercise’, inviting developers and investors from SA, Australia or globally to provide their best pitches for the site.

It will also allow developers to assess the plans, provide feedback on planning and delivery, while officials can gauge their preferred level of involvement, capabilities and what they would do differently.

A new artist impression of part of the proposed $1bn, 1000-home neighbourhood development on the old West End brewery site at Thebarton, with the historic Walkerville Brewhouse Tower shown. Picture: Supplied

It will also shape the sales campaign, which is due to start the first half of next year.

The state government swooped in and bought the 8.4ha site in September last year from brewing giant Lion, announcing at least 1000 new homes, with 20 per cent affordable, across the new neighbourhood.

The project also expands the River Torrens Linear Park Trail at the site and rejuvenates the River Torrens, and up to 6000sq m of open space.

It plans for an integrated walking, cycling, street and public transport network, connecting the parklands under Port Rd with a new shared-use path.

Artist impression of the 1000-home development on the former West End site at Thebarton.

The Old West End Brewery site being prepared for housing. Picture: SA Government

The original West End Brewery. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

A ‘mobility hub’ will provide for locals who own a car while also offering share cars, scooters and e-bike charging.

There are also plans to refurbish the state heritage-listed Walkerville Brewhouse Tower, which was built in 1886 and enlarged in 1899.

Housing Minister Nick Champion said it was an important step forward for the “world-class precinct”.

“The government is inviting local, national and international developers to be involved in this billion-dollar development,” he said.

“Given the area’s proximity to the city, parklands and the River Torrens, this development is a unique opportunity to create a new local community with an enviable lifestyle.”

Construction is expected to start mid-2025 with the first residents set to move in late 2026.

Originally published as Developers asked to provide best pitches, ideas for $1 billion Thebarton housing project at old West End site