The City of Sydney has provided heavily subsidised rent to Haven House South Dowling to the value of $5.9 million.
Haven House South Dowling will offer secure housing and wraparound support to homeless youth in Sydney’s inner city – thanks to a collaborative effort from the Property Industry Foundation, Homes NSW, the City of Sydney, The Salvation Army, Goodman Foundation, and over 20 leading property and construction firms.
For three years, The City of Sydney worked with the Property Industry Foundation to find an appropriate city-owned site for the project, which aims to provide long-term accommodation for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In 2020, a site at South Dowling Street Surry Hills was chosen for its access to transport, ability to accommodate 10 x separate apartments, and inner-city location.
“In order to bring this housing project to fruition, we provided the Property Industry Foundation with a heavily discounted 50-year lease on the land worth approximately $5.9 million. We are proud to see Haven House South Dowling take these next steps towards completion.”
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO
“The City of Sydney is really proud of this project,” says Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO. “The property was originally acquired by council in 1961. Council built a welfare centre at the site that opened in the late 1960s. More recently it was leased commercially. We were able to provide the Property Industry Foundation with a heavily discounted 50-year lease on City of Sydney land worth approximately $5.9 million.”
The City of Sydney has a dedicated homelessness unit and invests significantly each year to reduce homelessness and its impacts, and to coordinate and support specialist homelessness services in their local area. “We pull all the levers we can to generate more affordable and diverse housing in our local area,” says Clover. “This is achieved not just through grants from the fund but developer levies, discounted land sales and planning agreements. Haven House South Dowling shows that when we work together, a variety of projects that contribute to the city’s diverse housing needs will come to fruition.”
Due for completion in 2026, Haven House South Dowling will be operated by The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Services team, offering secure accommodation to at risk and homeless 16- to 24-year-olds who face significant challenges obtaining a private rental.
The 19-bedroom development is made up of 9 x 2-bed and 1 x 1 bed apartments with individual kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms as well as communal and outdoor areas. Support service providers will offer wraparound support, including access to education, training and employment opportunities, decision-making skills, budgeting and financial management skills, living skills and further independence. Tenants have the option to sign a long-term lease, meaning they can put down roots and exit the program with a rental history, easing the transition to fully independent living.
“This initiative is about breaking the cycle of homelessness and providing young people the support and guidance they need in a safe environment,” says Clover. “Not all young people can rely on family support during their childhoods. This innovative model of care will provide those people with the time, personalised attention, mentoring, coaching and access to opportunities needed to lead fulfilling, independent and productive lives.”
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
