UnitingSA has commenced construction on a $35 million, eight-storey development in Bowden, designed to address South Australia’s acute housing affordability crisis.
Named Uniting on Second, the project is set to feature 70 apartments dedicated to affordable living, marking it as the most substantial housing venture by the organisation to date.
This major development arises from a collaboration between UnitingSA and RenewalSA. The official start has been commemorated with a ceremonial sod turn and a traditional smoking ceremony today. Uniting on Second is located at the strategic intersection of Second and Gibson Streets in Bowden, offering easy access to public transport and Adelaide’s central business district, alongside high-quality local amenities.
The design of Uniting on Second prioritises sustainability and accessibility. It will achieve a five-star green star rating, the highest Australian standard, contributed by features such as a rooftop solar array and all-electric systems and appliances. Additionally, the development includes four specialist apartments for individuals with disabilities. All residents will benefit from ground floor bike storage, a communal workshop area, a community space on each floor, and a communal rooftop garden which further emphasise the community-centric vision of the project.
Affordability is a cornerstone of the Uniting on Second project. The apartments will be split evenly between affordable rentals and affordable sales. Rental units will be offered at less than 75 per cent of market rates. Properties for purchase will be available to qualified buyers through the state government’s HomeSeekerSA program, ensuring broader access to affordable housing solutions.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall shared “In light of our housing and cost of living crisis, investing in design elements that lower living costs is crucial,” she stated. “This project plays a vital role in our mission to provide affordable housing to those struggling to secure safe, stable accommodation in a highly competitive market.”
Supporting the housing structure, UnitingSA is also dedicated to providing essential services that aid residents in maintaining their tenancies and managing their finances effectively. This integrated support aims to foster long-term stability and success for occupants.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, noted the importance of the development during the national housing crisis. “Adding 70 affordable apartments in the dynamically evolving Bowden area will meaningfully address the critical need for accessible housing. This project is timely as it also aligns with our goals of increasing urban density responsibly,” he commented.
UnitingSA has engaged a seasoned local project team for Uniting on Second, which includes Kennett Builders for construction, City Collective for design, and Taarnby Real Estate for real estate services, to support a rigorous and expedited project timeline. Completion of the project is targeted for December 2025.
The project builds on UnitingSA’s long history of housing provision that began in 1984 with Portway Housing, initially helping tackle overcrowding and escalating rents in Port Adelaide. Having attained Tier 1 regulatory status in 2022 through Australia’s National Regulatory System for Community Housing, UnitingSA continues to demonstrate its capacity and commitment to enhancing community housing across South Australia.
For more information about Uniting on Second or to inquire about housing opportunities, interested individuals can reach out to UnitingSA through their website at www.unitingsa.com.au
More News
