The Property Industry Foundation is proud to partner with Essence Project Management and Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects on Haven House South Dowling, a flagship development for homeless youth in Sydney’s inner city.
This cutting edge, 19-bedroom development in Darlinghurst will be operated by our charity partners at The Salvation Army, offering at-risk young people a critical pathway into long term accommodation and access to education, employment and independent living skills. A stepped rental approach helps residents build rental histories and transition successfully to private housing, once employed full-time, breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Designed as a modern, light-filled and transformative space, the development features 9 x 2-bedroom apartments and a 1 x 1-bedroom apartment, alongside communal areas, an outdoor terrace and green spaces. Construction on the ambitious 799sqm residential development, with architecture by Fitzpatrick + Partners and project management by Essence Project Management, is due to begin this year, with over 20+ industry partners pushing the project forward with pro bono support and donations.
“The project will provide 19 rooms, and therefore 19 young people a stable residence for an extended period.”
Declan McLean, Essence Project Manager
“We’re incredibly proud to be a part of the team delivering Haven House South Dowling, we believe in the positive contribution the project aims to make in helping at-risk young people access the resources they need to thrive.”
James Fitzpatrick, Partner at Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects
Essence Project Management has been attached to the project since 2021, with Declan McLean, Essence Project Manager personally involved since 2023. “As a National Partner to the Property Industry Foundation, we wished to offer our services to assist in the design development, and eventual construction of Haven House South Dowling,” says Declan. “The project will provide 19 rooms, and therefore 19 young people a stable residence for an extended period. Among other things, this allows individuals to finalise their studies, search for employment, establish finances, and other key activities within the life of a young adult to ensure they’re grounded upon their departure from the program.”
Haven House South Dowling is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration within the property and construction industry. “The Foundation provides a brilliant platform for those within the construction Industry to use their skills and expertise in assisting at-risk youths,” says Declan. “This is done not just through excellent fundraising events, such as Tour de PIF, but also through allowing those interested to use their knowledge of design, construction, and other elements to establish groundbreaking building projects, such as Haven House South Dowling.”
James Fitzpatrick, Partner at Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects is equally excited to be on board. “We’re incredibly proud to be a part of the team delivering Haven House South Dowling, we believe in the positive contribution the project aims to make in helping at-risk young people access the resources they need to thrive,” says James. “Fitzpatrick + Partners have been connected to the Property Industry Foundation for close to 10 years; from the outset we wanted to be an active member, offering our skills and services to help a charity that we believed in.”
A connection to The Foundation’s Haven Project Committee in NSW provided the perfect introduction to the Haven House South Dowling project for Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects. “Our Studio Partner, Paul Reidy has been part of the Haven Project Committee for several years and when the opportunity arose to contribute to their first multi-unit project, we were more than happy to be a part of the team,” says James. “We are confident that the project will work to provide a safe and supportive environment for at-risk young people in Sydney. The opportunities and initiatives that Haven House South Dowling will afford to those in need will be life changing as they gain access to not only safe accommodation, but also vital services and education allowing them to build skills that will benefit them later in life.”
The design of the apartments will be of the highest quality; providing living spaces that promote healing and recovery. “The project has been designed specifically to cater for the future tenants needs,” says James. “Giving young people access to a high-quality design environment and amenities that allow them to feel safe, comfortable and supported.”
If you want to be involved with the project, let us know at pif@pif.com.au
For ongoing updates on the progress of Haven House South Dowling please visit here
