The first step towards transforming an industrial warehouse on the edge of Adelaide’s CBD into a vibrant retail precinct has begun, with a search launched today (Tuesday, 24 June 2014) to find retailers interested in opening for business in the heart of the state government’s flagship Bowden development.

Renewal SA has launched a six-week campaign through property specialists CBRE to seek potential tenants and developers interested in the first retail opportunity at Bowden, which will be housed in Plant 4.

Renewal SA General Manager, Major and Residential Project Delivery, Michael Buchan said the industrial structures at Bowden would be a unique setting for the retail, food and hospitality businesses being sought.

“This project will set the tone for future retail activity in Bowden — South Australia’s first higher density urban infill site that will include affordable housing, commercial and retail space, walkable tree-lined streets dotted with fresh street art, bike trails and great parks,” Mr Buchan said.

“The Plant 4 warehouse is characterful and would be a great home to a range of stores and markets that could include restaurants, cafes and wine bars and produce markets.”

Other possibilities include convenience stores, gourmet fresh food outlets and small goods shops.

“The ambition is for Bowden’s retail precinct to be a unique offering in Adelaide that is distinctive and local in scale but appeals to a wider audience through an eclectic and original range of businesses,” Mr Buchan said.

Renewal SA has appointed CBRE to help realise the vision for Plant 4 by finding potential tenants, lessors or developers for the Stage 1 retail precinct at Bowden.

CBRE Manager, Retail Services, Julia Pottenger, said Plant 4 was a unique space that could be used in many ways and should appeal to local retailers looking to create a distinctive and exciting new offering for Adelaide.

“Renewal SA has created a lifestyle at Bowden that we hope will be reflected in the retail component,” she said.

“The Plant 4 space offers a fantastic opportunity to create something special within the heart of the Bowden development.

“We envisage that the expression of interest campaign will bring a variety of uses to the table but we hope that we have interest from a creative group who will incorporate the industrial heritage of the building into their concept.”

The expression of interest to find tenants, head lessors and developers interested in the first retail development at Bowden will close on Thursday 31 July 2014.

Plant 4 will have a building footprint of approximately 1,800sqm incorporating a fully functional mezzanine level that will have exceptional views of the Bowden Town Square.

The opening of the new retail precinct will be timed to coincide with the completion of Bowden Town Square in mid-2016. Plant 4 will front the town square creating a vibrant new heart for the existing and new Bowden community.

Enquire about this opportunity by contacting:

Julia Pottenger, CBRE Manager, Retail Services
Mobile: 0409 019 366
Email: [email protected]

Background

• Renewal SA will consider leasing sections or Plant 4 to suitable retail tenants; granting a head lease to an organisation which could sublease the site to suitable retail tenants; or selling Plant 4 to a developer who would design and manage plans for a retail precinct in Plant 4 that would need to be approved by Renewal SA.
• 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.