A vibrant retail precinct in the heart of Bowden will open in about 12 months’ time with the operators of the popular Market Shed on Holland successful in their bid for the development’s first retail site.

The Ceres Market Shed Group will open an IGA supermarket, specialty markets and cafés/restaurants in the former industrial warehouse, Plant 4, at Bowden. The Ceres groups owns and operates Market Shed on Holland and Gilbert Street IGA.

Renewal SA project director for Bowden Alicia Davidge said the group had put forward a strong proposal in response to a call for expressions of interest.

“The Market Shed on Holland has been a great success story and the team behind it have a compelling vision for retail, food and hospitality at Bowden,” Ms Davidge said.

“Bowden’s retail precinct in the characterful Plant 4 warehouse will be unique — appealing to locals and a wider audience through an eclectic and original range of businesses.

“We are really pleased to have such a high calibre tenant that is so well suited to South Australia’s higher density urban infill site at Bowden.

“The opening of the new retail precinct will be timed to coincide with the completion of Bowden Town Square in mid-2016. Plant 4, with its distinct saw-toothed roof, will front the Town Square, forming a vibrant new heart for the community.”

Ceres Market Shed Group co-owner, Marilyn Kaitatzis said they were “thrilled to be a part of the restoration and rejuvenation of this exciting space at Plant 4 Bowden”.

“We hope to offer, with the collaboration of many creative and talented people, a central hub for the communities of Bowden and its surrounds to interact and engage — to create a connection between the immediate local vicinity, our nearby City of Adelaide neighbours and the incredible Adelaide country regions,” Ms Kaitatzis said.

“We would like to thank all involved at Renewal SA for giving this opportunity to so many South Australians who will be able to share the love and passions of all that they do.

“There will be people in design, the arts and music as well as retailing, fitness and health. Some will be re-using, rearing, farming or growing their offerings. Others producing and teaching how to make amazing food and wares.

“Such a diverse group of local people, all with different interests, having fun and working together in the one place: Plant 4 Bowden. Hope you will come and join us.”

The Ceres Market Shed Group was selected following a six-week campaign through property specialists, CBRE to seek potential tenants and developers for the space.

CBRE Manager, Retail Services Julia Pottenger said Plant 4 was a unique space and had attracted a number of quality submissions.

“The EOI for Bowden attracted a number of interesting and exciting operators whose use would have complemented Plant 4,” she said. “Following a shortlist of three, Market Shed were chosen because of their unique offer, experience and a concept that would not only fit the unusual Plant 4 building but provide a service to the Bowden community.”

During the second half of 2015, Renewal SA will significantly upgrade Plant 4 with the provision of modern utilities and to ensure it meets Building Code requirements. The Ceres group will begin fitting out the building in early 2016.

The IGA store will be approximately 420sqm and open seven days, while the gourmet speciality markets are likely to be open two days a week. The cafés, restaurants and other small tenancies are likely to trade most days.

Plant 4 will have a ground floor footprint of approximately 1,900sqm with a fully functional mezzanine level that will have exceptional views of the Bowden Town Square.

Bowden Town square will comprise approximately 5,000sqm in the heart of Bowden. It will be heavily landscaped with trees, grassed areas and feature gardens. Barbecue and picnic facilities will be provided along with shelters and interactive play and water elements to encourage day to day use of the park and to provide a central space for outdoor activities for new and existing residents. The site will be built to accommodate larger outdoor events such as performances and markets.

Background

• The $1 billion Bowden development will see the construction of more than 2,400 homes for approximately 3,500 new residents over the next 10–12 years.
• Bowden features exciting retail and commercial spaces, an innovative public realm with shared streets and great parks in addition to existing tram, train and bike and cycle links to the city.