Hutt St Centre releases its redevelopment plans to the public
Adelaide’s centre to support the homeless has released its redevelopment plans. SEE THE PICTURES
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Redevelopment plans for the Hutt St Centre, which has been at the centre of concerns about anti-social behaviour on the road, have been released.
The proposed upgrade includes an internal demolition of the centre to make way for improvements like a new laundry, locker room, as well as art and recreation spaces.
A new foyer, canopy, outdoor kitchen are also on the cards.
“The project is intended to improve the operation of the facility and to enhance its appearance to Hutt St forming a more visible, open, clearly defined, easily accessed and welcoming entrance,” the plans said.
“Internal redevelopments will improve the overall flow through the building, while upgrading outdated facilities and deteriorated amenities.”
Hutt St Centre board chairman Tim O’Callaghan, who did not know how much the redevelopment would cost until going out to tender, expected the plans to be welcomed by South Australians.
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He said improvements to the facade would be sympathetic to the area’s character.
“This redevelopment tidies up the three tired-looking heritage-listed buildings (the centre occupies) and provides a really nice looking front, it’s modest, I don’t think we have over engineered,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
He said improvements to the facade would encourage people to come in, rather than wait around outside.
The plans comes as the centre welcomed its new chief executive Chris Burns, the current Mental Health Commissioner for South Australia.
Mr Burns said he was privileged to lead the organisation at a time when tackling homelessness is a priority.
“Homelessness is an issue of key concern for state and federal governments and the Hutt St, like other similar organisations around the country, has an important role to play in developing and implementing the programs and policies required to address it,” Mr Burns said.
A spokeswoman for the Centre last week told The City the centre would cater for the growing number of women and children accessing its services.
Mr O’Callaghan would like work to start as soon as possible, following Adelaide City Council approval, so it can be ready for the winter months.