The first development parcels within the $1 billion Bowden development will be released to developers and builders on Monday, March 26.

It comes as the Bowden Sales and Information Centre is today officially opened and more than a hundred industry participants are involved in an industry launch.

Housing and Urban Development Minister, Patrick Conlon said the Stage 1 release to private sector developers will initially comprise four parcels of land including two serviced “super lots” on Seventh Street (for three-storey residential apartment buildings) and two serviced lots on Sixth Street (for three-storey, Torrens Titled terrace apartments).

“Prospective purchasers will be required to submit offers by May 1 and include their proposed design team and commercial offer in their submission,” he said.

“These will be evaluated by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and Bowden’s Design Review Panel to ensure high architectural standards are met in the design phase.”

Mr Conlon said the release of the first development parcels within the Bowden development is a major milestone for the project and the URA.

“The Bowden development is shaping as one of the most significant urban developments in South Australia’s history so this is an exciting step for the project and the URA,” he said.

“A key aim of the newly established Authority is to forge strong partnerships with private sector developers and builders to create innovative residential designs that set new standards for urban living in Adelaide and Australia.”

The first off-the-plan townhouses and apartments are on track to be released to the public in late 2012 and future residential land releases as part of Stage 1 will be released to the industry later this year .

Expressions of interest from developers and retailers will also be called in May to lease, refurbish, occupy and manage the first warehouse space as part of plans for the Bowden Town Centre.

Situated on the north-western edge of the Adelaide Parklands on the former Clipsal and Origin industrial sites, the Bowden development spans 16 hectares and will be the State’s first large-scale, higher density urban development.

The development will eventually see the construction of more than 2,400 homes for approximately 3,500 new residents over 15 years and provide opportunities for new and expanding businesses to locate, establish and operate in a vibrant walkable community close to the city.

A sales and information centre, located in the former Parkview Hotel on Park Terrace, was visited by more than 200 people last weekend at a casual opening.