As Bowden’s glow-up nears the finish line, we explore how this former industrial suburb went from industrial grit to inner-city gem.
Bowden’s transformation from industrial wasteland to buzzing inner-city hotspot is nearly complete, with the state government releasing two of the final parcels of land – lots 43 and 2002 – for development partners in November.
This latest land release paves the way for even more South Australians to call Bowden home, where smart design and a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle rule.
The two lots are in prime positions. Lot 43 sits along Park Terrace at Bowden’s entrance, right near Plant 3 and Plant 4. Lot 2002 has direct views across Bowden Park on Gibson Street, offering easy access to the projects central green space and Bowden’s thriving community heart.
Both developments could include a mix of residential, retail, and commercial spaces, with a minimum of 15 per cent of the housing set to be affordable – so even people without deep pockets will have a shot at living in Bowden.
Bowden’s beginnings
Founded in 1839, Bowden was once an industrial hub humming with activity from its brickworks, glassworks, gasworks and Clipsal factory. But as Adelaide grew, companies sought cheaper land, leaving the area ripe for transformation. When Clipsal closed its doors in 2008, the state government seized the opportunity to create a new vision for Bowden: a vibrant, mixed-use urban village with a focus on active transport, sustainability, offering a fresh take on inner-city living.
The state government bought the Clipsal site and the adjacent former Origin gasworks, totalling 16 hectares, and construction on the Bowden development began in 2013. One year later, Jarmer’s Kitchen opened, and the first residents moved in.
Fast forward
Since then, Bowden has become a multi-award-winning development that has set new standards for urban design. Managed by Renewal SA, it showcases the benefits of the public and private sectors working together to produce both an inspiring place to live and strong commercial outcomes for those who invest.
The Origin Gasworks site sits within the Bowden precinct and Renewal SA has held a long-term vision to see the Brompton Gasworks site remediated and transformed into a vibrant area as part of the Bowden redevelopment. Following an open, competitive process in 2021, MAB Corporation was selected as the preferred developer for this portion of the site. Remediation is nearing completion and MAB have recently announced the project name of The Gasworks at Brompton and are preparing for the launch of the project and commencement of sales in 2025.
Bowden’s population hit 1000 in 2019. Now, more than 830 apartments and townhouses are occupied. By the project’s completion in 2035 with the completion of both Bowden and Brompton Gasworks, more than 2500 dwellings will house 5300 people. More than 15 per cent of those dwellings will be affordable, and there will be 6000 square metres of retail floorspace for residents and visitors.
Bowden is designed to be a safe and walkable urban neighbourhood, with a focus on active transport and providing more energy-efficient housing. The streets are designed for pedestrians and bikes, and there’s easy access to public transport and everyday essentials, dining and entertainment options.
In other words: You don’t need a car to live your best life in Bowden. That’s a big deal in Adelaide, where – unlike most big cities worldwide – cars are still the default transport option. For Bowden residents, the CBD is only a free tram ride or one train stop away. The development’s design incorporates plenty of communal green space, and for residents wanting even more room to touch grass, Bowden overlooks the parklands. Plus Glenelg Beach is only a tram-ride away.
Australia’s leading Green Star community
Bowden isn’t just eco-friendly, it sets the benchmark for sustainable living in Australia. Renewal SA has mandated a minimum 5-star Green Star certification for all buildings within the community, and gone one better with a 6-star community rating for the entire precinct. This makes Bowden home to one of the highest concentration of Green Star residential buildings in the country.
Green Star is the Green Building Council of Australia’s independent rating. It assesses buildings and communities against environmental criteria, including water management, energy use and construction materials. It also takes into account social and economic factors like access to education, affordable housing, and high-quality digital infrastructure. For residents, this translates into benefits like energy-efficient homes, access to green spaces and social activities, plus convenient public transport.
Meet Josh Voigt of Bowden Cellars
Josh Voigt opened Bowden Cellars in 2021 with Dale Wostikow, as a business dedicated to showcasing South Australia’s exceptional small-batch wine producers, breweries and distilleries. It’s now one of the key attractions at Plant 3, offering a wine bar, bottle shop, as well as free weekly wine tastings, masterclasses and other fun events. The venue also boasts a kitchen which provides casual bites daily, and seasonal pop-up chef collaboration events.
“Bowden Cellars started out as two people with an extreme passion for South Australian wine pursuing our dream of putting great local drinks into people’s glasses,” says Josh, who also lives in Bowden.
Why Bowden is good for business
Josh says that when he and Dale were offered the opportunity to set up business in Bowden, they jumped at the chance.
“As with any sort of new business, we know that your location really can be everything,” Josh says. “We saw Bowden as an amazing location because of its potential,” he says.
Its proximity to the city, coupled with its rapid population growth made it “the perfect location” to set up shop.
Josh says the suburb has come a long way in a short period of time, and he’s seen it change since Bowden Cellars opened.
“The feedback we get from the locals is that it is constantly changing here. We feel like we’re adding to that flourishing community vibe. There’s a buzz in the local community here.”
Bowden’s top five hidden gems (according to Josh)
1. A PLACE Coffee – coffee specialists in a community space
2. My Grandma Ben – a sustainably focused cafe, bar and workshop
3. Bowden Brewing – bloody good beer, brewed locally
4. The Lost Loaf – award-winning bread baked the old-school way
5. Juan’s Torta Cantina – awesome, authentic Mexican street food.
Who’s moving to Bowden
According to the 2021 census, it’s a place where the population skews young: 55 per cent of Bowden’s population is aged 20-39, and the median age is 32 – nine years younger than the state median of 41.
However, over recent years the sales are showing that Bowden is attracting an increasing number of downsizing couples and active retirees looking for a maintenance free lifestyle change. It’s a place with a whole lot going on collectively in the community: live performances, markets and special events are held regularly at Plant 3 and Plant 4 – housed in the revamped former Clipsal building. There’s also a community garden, art galleries and studios, and even a local brewery.
Josh says Bowden’s diverse mix of age groups is one of its strengths. “As well as downsizing empty-nesters, the proximity to the city means Bowden has a large population of younger working professionals and families,” he says.
That easy accessibility to the city is one the key reasons people move to Bowden, Josh says. “They’re looking for that dense community living, for the access to amenities and services, and for its location, which is great.”
Josh shares his excitement for Bowden’s future, saying, “The council and government have done an impressive job in planning this vibrant inner-city living area.”
More big plans: Uniting on Second
Community housing provider Junction is set to provide 70 contemporary apartments when its Uniting on Second project at Bowden is competed in late 2025.
The eight-storey development will offer a mix of affordable rentals and affordable sales across 1174 sqm with communal and private outdoor spaces for residents as well as bike storage and carparking. In line with other developments at Bowden, it will have a 5-Star Green Star building certification.
For more information about Bowden, click here.
