Fifty more apartments to be built at Tonsley

Construction will begin this month on 50 apartments at Tonsley in southern Adelaide as the Innovation District continues to expand its range of residential and retail offerings.

Schiavello, a national builder prominent in Adelaide and Melbourne, will lead the construction at the south-west corner of the Main Assembly Building which is expected to be completed by October 2025. A second stage of 63 apartments is on track to follow later this year.

The new building will include an office and 50 apartments which will be made up of eight studios, three disability compliant apartments, 17 one-bedroom apartments and 22 two-bedroom apartments across seven levels. Parking for this building is being provided as part of the development.

Much of the 50 apartments will be a mix of youth and social housing managed by Junction, a community housing provider which supports around 10,000 South Australians each year through housing and community services including many young people. Junction, which will work in tandem with the South Australia Housing Authority (SAHA), will also base its head office at the site.

Construction has been boosted by the federal Government’s $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator Program (SHAP) input announced last year. As part of the SHAP initiative, South Australia has received more than $135 million from the Commonwealth to deliver a minimum of 230 homes across the state.

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the partnership between the Federal and State Governments and Community Housing Providers will dramatically increase the supply of public housing in South Australia.

Renewal SA Executive Director Shane Wingard, Residential Project Delivery and Assets, believes the varied nature of the new apartments will further foster the community spirit already blossoming at Tonsley Innovation District.

“The residential component of Tonsley is coming along nicely and it’s pleasing to welcome residents from many demographics. We’re looking forward to seeing the community grow,” he said.

Residents can also look forward to a wide range of hospitality services heading their way with developer Otello set to usher in a retail precinct adjacent Junction in June with a supermarket, retail, childcare centre, gym, wellness activities and some general offices on sit

The long-awaited Boiler House microbrewery from Little Bang Brewing Company is due to be delivered by the Duxton Pubs Group and will have a bar, restaurant, café and bottle shop open seven days a week.

The second tranche of 63 apartments at Tonsley is expected to commence construction from late 2024 onwards with a view to completion in mid-2026. This will include a co-working community space and facilities for the tenants.

Junction Chief Executive Maria Palumbo said this development will enable South Australians who are at different stages in their lives to access secure and affordable housing within a connected community.

Tonsley Innovation District is an accredited 6 Star Green Star Community.