Iconic heritage railway station surrounded by parklands

Exterior of North Adelaide Railway Station, showing stonework, yellow painted door frames and lots of succulents.

This beautiful Victorian-era railway cottage is ready to be brought to life in North Adelaide!

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.

Space details

  • North Adelaide Railway Station, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide
  • Hospitality / retail / community / studio / arts
  • 170sqm (indoor) + 340sqm (outdoor)
    • Iconic heritage building
    • Three phase power
    • Ample outdoor / courtyard space
    • Unique location in the North Adelaide Parklands
    • Floorboards
    • High ceilings
    • Kitchenette
    • 3 x toilets onsite
    • Additional water and waste to be installed at lessor cost
  • Thursday 8th May @ 10am
    Wednesday 14th May @ 4pm

    Register for inspection
  • Sunday 25th May @ 11.59pm

For tips on what to include your application, check out our application guide.

Frequently asked questions

Q

How does the Renew Adelaide program work?

A

We partner with property owners and agents to offer rent-free spaces to emerging businesses, allowing them to test their concept in the Adelaide CBD. You can read more about our program on the how it works page.

Q

How long is the rent-free period?

A

This differs with each space but the minimum term is a 30-day rolling licence. This means the licence continues each month, up until you or the lessor chooses to end the licence, giving 30 days notice. In some cases, we can negotiate a fixed rent-free period with our property partner anywhere up to 12 months, depending on your concept and the property owner’s goals.

Q

What is the benefit of being on the Renew program?

A

In addition to the rent-free space, Renew Adelaide acts as a support system for new ventures and can help in areas you might not have experience in – whether it’s budgeting, marketing, visual merchandising or legal. Becoming a Renew Adelaide venture also provides you with greater exposure through our marketing channels.

Q

How do I apply for this space?

A

If you’re interested in this space, we recommend you come along to an inspection to ask any questions you might have. From there, you can submit an application form via our website. Visit how to apply for full details on the application process.

Q

Can I apply without an inspection?

A

We strongly encourage you to attend an inspection, however, if you’re unable to attend you can still apply. If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of the application process we can arrange a private inspection.

Q

I’ve missed the application deadline, can I still apply?

A

If you see a space online but have missed the application deadline, it’s best to reach out to us to see if we’re still able to accept your application. Please be mindful we may be far along in the application process and may not be able to accept late applications. To avoid disappointment, please sign up to our mailing list on our website to be notified when new properties are available.

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.

Need further information?

For more information about the Renew Adelaide program and the application process head to Who we are and How it works. If you have further questions we’re always happy to chat with you at the inspection or you can get in touch with us via the form below.

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