The space

The North Adelaide Railway Station and station house is a truly unique building – full of character and opportunity for an equally unique operator. The large property boasts beautiful floorboards, fireplaces, wooden trimmings and a stunning stone exterior.

A State Heritage-listed site, it’s the third-oldest railway station in South Australia – and still an active one! Built in 1857, the Victorian-style cottage offers a basic kitchen, a reception area and bathrooms. The outdoor courtyard and backyard would be perfect for an operator keen to offer outdoor dining or events.

The property consists of the former station buildings and surrounding land, but excludes the car park and the railway platform, which remains an active commuter platform.

Having been most recently operated as Red House Shop & Cafe (until 2019), this property is ideal for a hospitality, retail or arts/cultural operator that aligns with the heritage aesthetic and local North Adelaide community.

The location

The North Adelaide Railway Station is located in Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1) – nestled in the greenery of the North Adelaide parklands, just a stone’s throw from Plant 4 Bowden. There is a community garden located just across the tracks.

The station is still actively used as part of Adelaide Metro’s Gawler line. The train rattling by can be noisy – while beautiful and unique, the building would not be appropriate for an operator who needs uninterrupted peace and quiet!

Who you are

As a State Heritage-listed site, there are limitations to the type of use and what sort of fit-out works can be undertaken in this space. So – we’re looking for someone who can lean into the beautiful heritage aesthetic of the building, without requiring any substantial renovations in order to make the business model work. The Renew team will be able to provide more information regarding the site’s limitations at the inspections.

Renew Adelaide has secured this space until June 2026, and we’re keen to hear both long and short-term ideas for this activation. Maybe your concept can fill the whole space, or maybe it only requires a portion of the building, and you’re keen to share the space with a like-minded venture.

We’re open to hearing from anyone who has a unique hospitality or retail concept or a community-centric idea that can bring the railway station to life. Perhaps you’ve got a small bar concept like Renew Adelaide graduates LOC Bottle Bar or cosy coffee-slingers Booknook & Bean, an art space like Household or a music venue like Electric Ant Records? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

A note on the application process:
Renew Adelaide’s callout for the North Adelaide Railway Station is separate from the recent City of Adelaide Expression of Interest for the same property. COA’s EOI is for operators keen to activate the property beyond June 2026. Renew Adelaide’s callout is for activation between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026.

If you have already applied for COA’s EOI process, you are still welcome to apply via Renew Adelaide to test your business concept.

Love the space but isn’t right for you?

We’d love to hear about your concept and what kind of space you’re looking for. Share them with us via our expression of interest form here.