Construction officially begins on UnitingSA’s $35 million, eight-storey affordable housing development in Bowden as it continues to build its community housing portfolio in answer to South Australia’s housing crisis.
Known as Uniting on Second, the all-affordable 70-apartment project will be developed by UnitingSA in partnership with RenewalSA.
A sod turn and smoking ceremony was held today (May 23) to mark the project’s official ground-breaking.
Steve Georganas MP (Federal member for Adelaide) and Uncle Mickey O’Brien
Uniting on Second will cater to a wide range of South Australians including essential workers, first home buyers, small families, individuals and downsizers, who will enjoy the benefits of the project’s proximity to public transport, Adelaide’s CBD and convenient high-quality local amenities.
Located on the prominent gateway corner of Second and Gibson streets in Bowden, project features currently include:
- An equal number affordable rentals and affordable sales
- Five-star green star rating (highest Australian standard)
- Rooftop solar array
- All electric systems and appliances
- Four specialist disability apartments
- Ground floor bike storage and communal workshop area
- Community space on each level
- Communal rooftop garden
Affordable rental homes will be leased to tenants at less than 75 per cent of the market rate, while homes offered for sale will be offered to eligible buyers through the state government’s HomeSeekerSA program.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said that in a housing and cost of living crisis, it was important to consider design features that would contribute to lower living costs for residents.
“We know that South Australia – like much of the rest of Australia – is in the midst of an unprecedented housing and cost of living crisis,” Ms Hall said.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall speaking at the Uniting on Second development site today
“UnitingSA is among those not for profits working as hard as we can to keep up with the community’s ever-increasing demand for services and support. This project is an integral part of our vision to provide affordable housing to those people who are struggling to find and maintain safe secure housing in a highly competitive market.”
Uniting on Second is UnitingSA’s largest housing project to date and reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to creating positive housing outcomes for the South Australian community.
“As always, our approach to this project extends beyond mere bricks and mortar,” Ms Hall said. “UnitingSA is also dedicated to supporting residents with a range of important support services as needed, setting them up for success.
“This includes programs and assistance to help renters and buyers maintain tenancies and mortgages to build brighter futures.”
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said this affordable housing project will be a significant addition to the Bowden skyline at a critical point in time.
“We are tackling a national housing crisis, so building 70 apartments at Uniting on Second will provide much needed supply at an affordable level in a highly sought after and vibrant community.
Nick Champion (Minister for Housing and Urban Development), second from right, is pictured with UnitingSA’s Ben Moore (Senior Executive Development, Property & Housing), Jenny Hall (CEO) and Gael Fraser (Board Chair)
“It’s important we look at increasing urban density in areas like Bowden which is strategically located on the edge of the park lands with multiple public transport options.”
UnitingSA is working with a highly experienced South Australian project team including construction firm Kennett Builders, design agency City Collective and Taarnby Real Estate, to ensure a fast-tracked project delivery.
The project is envisaged to be completed by December 2025.