Renewal SA revealed timeline for SA’s massive housing development ‘pipeline’ to give industry time to prepare

The timeline of massive $2bn “pipeline” of housing projects has been revealed so building companies can prepare to bid for some of Adelaide’s biggest jobs.

More than $2bn in development in South Australia is being opened up to builders as the state government seeks to create about 3000 homes across five different “once-in-a-generation” projects.

It is now revealing the timing of a “pipeline” of major developments – many of which have been previously announced – to provide the industry with transparency, it said.

The move seeks to make it easier to attract major investment from SA, Australian and global partners to take on the massive projects that aim to boost the city’s housing supply.

On Thursday, Renewal SA revealed it had secured two prime sites on the corner of North Tce and Frome St and is now seeking a development partner to build what could be SA’s tallest tower – worth about $450m – with a focus on providing housing for city workers.

It’s one of five projects to be released to the property development sector by the year’s end – for either offers or market feedback.

The others are the former Franklin St Bus Station, also known as Tapangka on Franklin, which would be worth about $500m and the $1bn West End Brewery redevelopment at Thebarton.

It is also now selling two of the last development-ready parcels of land at Bowden.

The fifth project is a $30m plan for 70 new homes at Whyalla for workers.

Across all projects, upwards of 3000 dwelling would be created. More than 45,000 new homes are forecast as needed in the city and inner-metro by 2051.

Master Builders Association of SA CEO Will Frogley said the projects represented a massive opportunity to bring “empty blocks and tired old sites back to life”.

“The sky is the limit if we can overcome the housing crisis. This pipeline of work will also help us to grow the 80,000-strong building and construction workforce,” he said.

The state government said revealing the timelines of each project would enable developers and investors to prepare and allocate resources and capital in advance.

The projects are:

274-275 North Terrace – $450m

Directly across from Lot Fourteen, the two adjoining, corner sites are being pitched as a combined 2800sq m package to developers to build one or more huge accommodation towers that would redefine the city’s skyline. The state government would offer “minimal” guidance and open up the maximum building heights to allow Adelaide’s tallest tower that could house market apartments, build-to-rent units, a hotel or student accommodation.

Expressions of interest are open now to industry.

Artist impression of a tower that could be built on North Tce under a Renewal SA plan for the site. Picture: Renewal SA

Former Franklin St Bus Station / ‘Tapangka on Franklin’ – $500m

Nearly 400 apartments, major hotel, commercial and retail spaces – all centred around a “signature” building – is the plan behind the major redevelopment of the former bus station.

One or more private sector partners are being sought to deliver market housing and build-to-rent units across the massive 6850sq m site.

The overall the vision includes integrated streetscapes to create a vibrant, mixed-use precinct for residents, workers, and visitors. The hotel would have more than 200 rooms.

Renewal SA will begin a market sounding and registration of interest process for this development next week.

Artist impression of the state government's plan to build a 392 apartment community at the Franklin St bus station site.

West End / Thebarton – $1bn

The former West End Brewery site in Thebarton will be redeveloped under a massive project worth more than $1bn, to create a world-class, vibrant, climate-resilient, mixed-use community on 8.4 hectares of land.

It will have minimum of 1000 homes, retail, commercial and hospitality.

The Thebarton site is currently finishing the master planning stage. which includes both local engagement and private sector feedback.

Renewal SA will begin market sounding to gauge interest from the property and investment sector in participating in the project before the end of the year.

Artist impression of what could be built on the former West End site at Thebarton,

Bowden - $110m

Work on the Bowden site for inner-city living and urban renewal began in 2008, where multiple projects are in different stages, as well as at Brompton.

No, two of its last remaining ‘development ready’ parcels of prime land are being offered immediately for sale. These sites are in Bowden’s established community, with immediate access to Bowden Park, Plant 3 and Plant 4 amenities, offering unobstructed parkland views.

The sites are on sale now.

Kloeden Reserve, Whyalla - $30m

About 70 new homes will be built on two major pieces of land on Kloeden Reserve,

Whyalla, for the growing regional workforce and community.

At least 10 houses need to be built immediately. These dwellings will be leased back to the government for a guaranteed minimum period of 10 years to house essential government workers, such as health workers, teachers and police.

An expression of interest is out now.

Planning and Housing Minister Nick Champion said SA was “ready for investment” with projects to boost the economy and provide thousands of housing options.

“We’re looking to attract the best proposals from local, national and international developers who are keen to make their mark on our state,” he said.

“These projects have the potential to help shape South Australia’s future and provide much-needed housing for the future workforce we will need to help fulfil our potential in the defence, energy and innovation sectors.”

Originally published as Renewal SA revealed timeline for SA’s massive housing development ‘pipeline’ to give industry time to prepare