The restoration of the former Kent Town Brewery (circa 1876) in Rundle Street, Adelaide is being hailed as a prime example of the conservation and development possibilities of our often overlooked culturally significant industrial sites.

One of only three remaining historic breweries in Adelaide, the original buildings have been transformed into 25 residential apartments with a lap pool, gymnasium and basement parking. A variety of apartment types have been formed to suit the original building layout and to appeal to a wider market.

Restoration works included the repointing of the bluestone walls and the reinforcing of the original roof structure. New openings in wall structures maintain the rhythm and proportion of the original fenestrations and are deliberately detailed to be readily recognisable as modern insertions.

Modern materials used on balconies, external stairs and oversize planter boxes provide an effective contrast, enhancing the original heritage fabric. The use of glass, mild steel, stainless steel and hardwood timbers also work towards achieving a blending of contemporary expression reflecting the site's industrial theme.

A new multi-storey modern tower is situated within the heritage courtyard. This was necessary to create a financially viable adaptive reuse proposal for the site. Through its similar scale and form, the tower provides some physical connection with the former 'Malthouse' silos.