One of the most important Master Planning processes to be undertaken in South Australia is about to begin. It will transform the 10-hectare Clipsal site at Bowden into one of Australia’s leading Transit Oriented Developments (TODs), to be known as “Bowden Village”.

The first step was taken with the appointment of the HASSELL / Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) consortium early this month to deliver the master plan. Hassell is one of Australia’s leading architectural, planning and urban design firms. PB is one of the world’s leading planning, environment and infrastructure firms.

The Consortium will report to the principal stakeholder group, led by the Land Management Corporation (LMC) and including the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI), the Department of Planning and Local Government (DPLG), and the City of Charles Sturt.

“The Clipsal site provides a unique opportunity to set new standards in urban revitalisation and integrated transit planning for Australian cities. It will pioneer new approaches to sustainable, mixed-use development,” said LMC Chief Executive Wayne Gibbings.

“The Master Plan will deliver diverse activities to create a liveable community which provides access to employment opportunities, a range of housing options, services and facilities, all well-connected to public transport; a workable community.”

“Engagement with key stakeholders and the broader community is crucial to the successful planning and delivery of Bowden Village. Input and feedback will be sought through a variety of activities at each stage of the planning process,” Mr Gibbings said.

The Master Plan process comprises four defined stages that start this month and are expected to conclude in October 2009.

The first stage will set the scene to establish the vision for the site, looking at the considerations, opportunities and constraints and establishing the framework for development of the site in the surrounding suburbs.

Key opportunities for the broader community to become involved are an Information Day and a Visioning Workshop.

The Information Day, to introduce the project and the engagement process, is being held at the City of Charles Sturt Hindmarsh Library on Saturday 23 May from 1.00pm – 4.00pm. The Visioning Workshop will give everyone the opportunity to give feedback on the draft vision and provide broad ideas for the design. It is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 2 June at the City of Charles Sturt Woodville Town Hall.

The second stage will explore broad land uses and infrastructure issues for the Bowden Village site as well as the surrounding area. A Community Workshop will be held in mid July to discuss options.

Stage three will see the preparation of the ‘Master Plan’ and urban design guidelines to explore what the new development will look like and function in terms of housing employment, community and retail facilities, pedestrian and cycle networks, public transport, open space and other aspects. The draft Master Plan will be presented at an Open Day in mid September for community feedback.

The fourth and final stage of the master planning process will assess implementation options, addressing staging, delivery mechanisms and governance.

Information will be supplied throughout the master planning study period through a project newsletter, displays, the project website, the City of Charles Sturt Kaleidoscope magazine and media.

For general project enquiries, call LMC on 1800 993 439.