Social enterprise Junction will build the $36 million Tonsley Innovation District development, which will see 50 apartments constructed as part of its first stage.
Junction’s Tonsley development has been supported with a $15.2 million injection from the federal government’s Social Housing Accelerator Program – delivered in partnership with the state government.
In total, the Social Housing Accelerator will contribute $135 million to housing projects in South Australia.
The Tonsley project will include community spaces, a co-working area, a community café and a bike hub.
Apartments will be built to 7.5 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, and will feature private balconies.
The second stage of the Tonsley project will involve Junction building an additional 63 affordable apartments within an eight-storey building on the same site.
Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said safe and secure housing was “the springboard for everything else”.
“Housing needs to be within vibrant communities where people are close to transport, education and services,” she said.
“This development will enable South Australians of different ages – who are at different stages in their lives – to access secure and affordable housing alongside support services within a connected community.”
Render: Junction.
Palumbo added that the development would contribute positively to the Tonsley Innovation District.
“It will contribute to local businesses and drive economic activity within an emerging precinct, while also addressing the needs of South Australians in housing stress,” she said.
“What we are embarking on where is innovative in its approach and has the power to positively impact the lives of people and this precinct for generations to come.”
Construction is set to begin on the project in July with the first stage to be completed by late 2025.
Render: Junction.
In total, the Social Housing Accelerator Program will deliver more than 369 homes across community and public housing projects and will provide homes for about 600 South Australians.
According to the state government, these projects will deliver specialist housing for low-income households, older women, people with a disability, women and children leaving domestic and family violence, and the homeless.
Other projects include the refurbishment of two SA Housing Authority (SAHA) properties at Glengowrie and Oaklands Park, which will be able to accommodate 200 people once completed.
SA Housing Minister Nick Champion said housing security was “a springboard for future success”.
“The Albanese Government is funding these projects and the state government is delivering these homes and these concerted actions will lead to better results for the community,” he said.
“Safe and secure public housing builds better communities.”
The list of proposed projects under the Social Housing Accelerator plan:
COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECTS
- Junction at Tonsley Stage 1 – 50 dwellings funded – up to 73 people housed – CHP partner: Junction
- Wirra Mikangka (subject to final approvals) – 50 dwellings funded – at least 50 people housed – CHP partner: Housing Choices SA
- Uniting on Hawker – 24 dwellings – up to 36 people housed – CHP partner: Uniting SA
- 143 Devonport – 21 dwellings funded – up to 29 people housed – CHP partner: Community Housing Ltd
- 35° South – 6 dwellings funding – up to 14 people housed – CHP partner: Your Place Housing
- 164 Churchill – 20 dwellings funded – up to 29 people housed – CHP partner: Community Housing Ltd
- Uniting at Kidman Park – 6 dwellings funding – up to 20 people housed – CHP partner: Uniting SA
NEW PUBLIC HOUSING
- Seaton Public Housing – 22 dwellings, up to 44 people housed – CHP partner: SA Housing Authority
- Camden Park – 48 dwellings – up to 96 people housed – CHP partner: SA Housing Authority
- Ceduna Aboriginal Housing – 4 dwellings – up to 10 people housed – CHP partner: SA Housing Authority/Renewal SA
REFURBISHED PUBLIC HOUSING
- Glengowrie Court – 38 dwellings – up to 76 people housed – CHP partner: SA Housing Authority
- Drew Court Public Housing – 80 dwellings – up to 128 people housed – CHP partner: SA Housing Authority