$48M affordable housing hub revives beachside site

A former public housing site in Henley Beach has been transformed by Unity Housing into a $48 million mixed housing development, adding much-needed affordable and social rental accommodation to the popular beachside community.

Officially opened today, the Henley Beach South ‘Coast’ Project is a major milestone in Unity Housing’s commitment to delivering more social and affordable housing to low-income households increasingly priced out of the rental market across metropolitan Adelaide.

In partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT), Unity Housing’s ‘Coast’ development has transformed the 0.9ha former public housing site into 70 modern, sustainable apartments and townhouses on sought after Henley Beach Road.

The mixed housing development replaces 52 outdated public housing flats built in 1957 and has been designed to strengthen the local community through thoughtful design, strong partnerships, and community engagement. It includes:

• 22 two-and-three-bedroom affordable rental townhouses owned and operated by Unity Housing.
• Five two-bedroom social apartments owned and operated by Unity Housing.
• 23 two-bedroom social rental apartments for people aged 55 and over owned by the SAHT and managed by Unity Housing.
• 20 townhouses sold to market (phase one of the development).

Construction of the affordable townhouses and social apartments was completed in May, and they are expected to be fully tenanted by the end of July.

The all-electric site includes 700 solar panels installed across the development’s mixed housing, car chargers fitted in Unity Housing’s affordable townhouses and an open green community space and street landscaping. The 28 social housing apartments are built to meet Supported Disability Accommodation “Improved Liveability” standards.

Designed by City Collective and built by Centina, the development secured funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord Facility (Round One) to support the delivery of 19 affordable townhouses and five of the social housing apartments.

“These new homes demonstrate our Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to safe, secure and affordable housing close to jobs, schools, and public transport." Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion.

“This is a landmark project that sets the new standard for affordable, inclusive and sustainable living in Henley Beach South. It delivers much-needed housing for low-income households, seniors, and the broader community." Unity Housing CEO Matthew Woodward.

“Aligned with Centina's vision to be known as a company that positively impacts communities, we are proud to partner with Unity Housing on the construction of this project." Centina Managing Director Paul Nardinocchi.