Seventy new affordable housing opportunities have been unlocked for South Australians at Bowden thanks to a new partnership between Renewal SA and Community Services Provider UnitingSA, which will further increase the diversity of quality residential stock within Adelaide’s inner-city ring.

Known as Uniting on Second, the all-affordable apartment project will be developed by UnitingSA, and will cater for the likes of essential workers, first home buyers, single parents and downsizers, who can draw on the benefits of the project’s proximity to public transport, Adelaide’s CBD and convenient high-quality local amenities.

Highlights of the $30 million-plus project include:

• 36 affordable rentals
• 34 affordable sales
• a 5-Star Green Star Building certification
• communal rooftop alfresco and garden area
• and bicycle storage and car parking.

The development will feature a strong commitment to environmental and social sustainability offering an extensive rooftop solar array, contributing to reduced cost of living for residents. Other opportunities that will also be considered through the design process include double glazing, smart metering, recycled water, and use of low-embodied carbon materials.

The all-electric, seven-storey building will sit on the prominent gateway corner of Gibson and Second streets and seeks to build upon the successful partnership model of neighbouring development Nightingale Bowden – an award-winning fully affordable and sustainable apartment building.

UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said the project is an integral part of the organisation’s vision to provide affordable housing to South Australians struggling with the current housing crisis and ultra-competitive rental market.

“This development is our largest to date and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating positive housing outcomes for our community,” Ms Hall said.

“Our approach to this project extends beyond the bricks and mortar. We are also dedicated to supporting residents with our broad range of support services, as needed, to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and build brighter futures. We look forward to offering more stable and secure housing options for individuals and families in need.”

The affordable rentals at Uniting on Second will be managed by UnitingSA and feature a considered mix of apartment types and be leased to tenants at under 75 percent of the market rate.

Apartments nominated for sale will include two bedrooms and one-bathroom, generous living areas, deep balconies and storage units. Each will qualify under the affordable housing criteria and be sold to eligible buyers through HomeSeeker.

In addition to its Gibson and Second Street frontages, the development links directly to the Outer Harbour Greenway and is just two minutes’ walk to Bowden Train Station, five minutes’ walk to the Port Road tram, and 3.5 km from Adelaide’s CBD – creating active transport options for residents and a reduced reliance on cars.

The Uniting on Second development was identified via an EOI process undertaken by Renewal SA in partnership with the South Australia Housing Authority in August, seeking a community housing partner to deliver critical affordable rentals and sales options. The Expression of Interest attracted a high level of interest, with competitive offers to inject affordable housing into the South Australian market.

The 1,174 sqm development-ready site will be delivered by UnitingSA on an accelerated timeline as part of the state government’s A Better Housing Future plan and formed part of a collective pipeline of five projects at Bowden, Prospect and Playford Alive that are expected to generate in the order of $300 million in economic activity for the state and critical housing in highly desirable locations.

Renewal SA Executive Director Residential Project Delivery and Assets, Shane Wingard, said the project was part of a significant affordable housing pipeline that will provide unique opportunities for the private and not-for-profit sectors to partner with Renewal SA.

“Through the EOI process we sought to find a CHP that could deliver a fast-tracked affordable housing project without compromising on design, quality, sustainability or resident experience,” Mr Wingard said.

“Not only did we achieve that with UnitingSA, but the project is also set to deliver a sizeable increase in the number of apartments over and above the initial targets set.”

UnitingSA has engaged a highly experienced South Australian project team including well-regarded construction company Kennett, design agency City Collective and Taarnby Real Estate to ensure a fast-tracked design and construction process.

Construction is expected to commence in mid-2024, with practical completion by December 2025 and the first residents moving in by early 2026. Expressions of interest from prospective tenants will be taken close to the project’s completion in December 2025.

As part of Renewal SA’s Works Program, the project will also provide training, work experience and employment opportunities for local job seekers.

About UnitingSA

UnitingSA was established in 1919 and provides housing, community services and aged care to support more than 12,000 South Australians each year. It has a long and proud history of delivering significant infrastructure projects, from its early days developing some of the state’s first accommodation responses for people experiencing homelessness through to its growing investment in residential developments to meet community need.

UnitingSA has more than 40 years’ experience managing affordable rentals. Its current portfolio incorporates over 600 properties, including a diverse range of social and affordable housing projects at Prospect and Ferryden Park, and mixed-use development at West Lakes.

Background

Affordable rental prices at defined by income-based rent capped at under 75 per cent of market rent.

Affordable homes are available exclusively to eligible buyers earning less than $130,000 per year as a couple or family, or $100,000 as a single person via HomeSeeker.

The current price point for affordable homes is $417,000-$479,550 in Greater Adelaide.