One of South Australia’s most significant heritage buildings is set for a new chapter, with hospitality operator The Big Easy Group acquiring the historic Bowden Railway Station in Adelaide’s inner west.
Located at 21 First Street, Hindmarsh, the State Heritage-listed property is believed to be the third railway station built in Australia and the first railway station established in South Australia. The 170-year-old landmark most recently housed popular café and restaurant venue The Loose Caboose and has long been regarded as one of Adelaide’s most distinctive hospitality destinations.
The Big Easy Group, one of South Australia’s leading hospitality operators, plans to establish a new restaurant within the property, further strengthening the transformation of the broader Bowden precinct into one of Adelaide’s fastest-growing lifestyle destinations.
Positioned on a 483 sqm* site and comprising approximately 194 sqm* of building area, the property combines original bluestone construction, ornate fireplaces, high ceilings and heritage detailing with modern hospitality improvements, outdoor dining areas and on-site parking.
Sold through Jack Dascombe, Adam Hartley and Anton Williams of Cushman & Wakefield, the acquisition comes amid significant residential growth throughout Bowden and neighbouring Brompton, where thousands of apartments have recently been completed or are currently under construction, creating a growing customer base for food, beverage and entertainment operators.
Jack Dascombe of Cushman & Wakefield said the campaign attracted strong interest from hospitality operators seeking unique venues with character and authenticity.
“Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare. Buyers weren't simply purchasing a property, they were securing a piece of South Australian history with an established reputation and enormous future potential,” he said.
“The level of interest reflected growing demand for character-rich hospitality venues that offer something genuinely different from traditional retail and commercial opportunities.”
Oliver Brown, CEO of The Big Easy Group said
"21 First Street is an unreal building with so much character, and a lot of history. Loose Caboose was an iconic venue and one I have personal memories of, so to have the opportunity to create something new in that space is really exciting.
“We have grand plans to really make the most of this space and continue to contribute to the growing hospitality and nightlife precincts of Bowden and Hindmarsh."
The property occupies a prominent position adjacent to the Bowden Village redevelopment and sits within walking distance of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Bowden railway station and the expanding Southwark precinct.
Adam Hartley of Cushman & Wakefield said the property's heritage significance and location within one of Adelaide's fastest-growing urban renewal precincts made it particularly compelling.
“The building has incredible character and presence, but equally important is its position at the heart of a rapidly evolving community,” he said.
“With thousands of new residents already living in Bowden and further development underway, the opportunity to activate such an iconic building was a major drawcard for hospitality operators looking to establish a genuine destination venue.”
Mr Hartley said “The sale highlights the growing intersection between heritage assets and hospitality-led placemaking, as operators increasingly seek unique venues capable of creating experiences rather than simply providing dining space.”
