Adelaide CAP postpones assessment of Hutt Street Centre application

A homeless shelter’s $2.2 million planned upgrade has been put on hold thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, in another blow to some of the city’s most vulnerable citizens.

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A plan to redevelop a centre for the city’s most vulnerable has hit a roadblock in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Adelaide City Council has cancelled it Council Assessment Panel meeting scheduled for March 23 where a $2.2 million upgrade of the Hutt Street Centre was supposed to be assessed.

Staff said “the “likelihood of a high number of people in attendance” would be against major event bans enforced by the Federal Government.

Hutt St Centre chief executive Chris Burns said he “completely understands” the reason behind the cancellation, and hoped the application would soon go before the panel.

“The redevelopment will improve the facility we have got here, but at this time our focus is continuing to deliver those services for the most vulnerable in the community,” Mr Burns said.

“If it means the redevelopment is delayed slightly, that is fine.”

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.

Mr Burns said there had been a minor increase in the number of patrons since the outbreak.

He feared there would be a drop in food and monetary donations in the coming months.

“People might be not as willing to donate because a lot of people will be nervous and have to watch their own bank account,” Mr Burns said.

“But we will work through it and manage and prioritise as best we can.”

The Advertiser revealed the State Government would rush a draft bill through parliament to allow its councils to meet remotely.

The government would also look at how other council gatherings like committees, regional subsidiaries and informal gatherings will function in the wake of new rules.

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Adelaide City Council planning design and development associate director Shanti Ditter said cancellation of future panel meetings would be looked at on a “case-by-case basis”.

“Council must ensure the safety of all by meeting the health guidelines issued by the Australian Government,” Ms Ditter said.

“In this instance, it was considered appropriate to cancel the meeting.”

The application is expected to be assessed on April 27 and a public gallery could be seated in a separate room to meet current health guidelines.

Hutt St Traders Association secretary Wayne Copley said there had been strong opposition to the proposal, and called the COVID-19 delay “temporary reprieve” for the centre..