Uniting Communities seeks approval for $80 million building on site of historic Maughan church

THE controversial plan to replace an architecturally unique city church with an $80 million office and apartment tower will be submitted for approval on Tuesday.

The historic Maughan Church on Franklin Street, which will be replaced.

THE controversial plan to replace an architecturally unique city church with an $80 million office and apartment tower will be submitted for Development Assessment Commission approval today.

Uniting Communities wants to tear down its contemporary-gothic Maughan Church, built in the 1960s, to make way for a 20-storey HQ on the corner of Franklin and Pitt streets, and has released an image of what it will look like to The Advertiser.

The old church did have some protection through its listing on the SA Heritage register, but this was removed at the request of the State Government so the new development could go ahead.

The register listed the building as a “notable and prominent example of contemporary gothic architecture, which is rare in South Australia and unique in the city centre”.

An artist’s impression of the Uniting Communities’ planned new $80 million headquarters.

A final service to commemorate the site’s history was held at the church this month.

Uniting Communities chief executive Simon Schrapel said that “we understand some members of the community will feel concerned about Maughan Church being replaced,” but that “the building’s value to the community has been limited and it is in need of extensive repairs just to remain usable ... what will be created on the site offers a contemporary approach to building a vibrant inner city community”.

“The church’s legacy will live on in the new building. We’re also investigating how we can reuse some of the ... materials from the church,” he said. Construction of the new multi-use facility is expected to create 180 jobs and there will be 30 ongoing new positions in the building.

The Maughan Church and Mission, on Franklin St, was built in the 1960s.

The then-new Maughan Church in 1965.

Around 200 Uniting Communities staff will be housed in the new complex, which will also have 3000sqm of office space available for lease and therefore an income stream for the organisation. A first-floor auditorium, with room for more than 300 people, will be available for use as a place of worship.

The Woods Bagot-designed building will include a ground floor reception and concierge, retail services and a cafe. An 18-room disability respite centre and a 21 rooms (mostly two bed) will be available for people with disabilities to rent.

The church is likely to be demolished in August. The new building is expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Mr Schrapel said the redevelopment was an important step in extending services the organisation offers.

“It is bold and ambitious and will celebrate the enormous diversity and commitment to inclusive community which is a hallmark of Uniting Communities’ 115-year history.”

“Our accommodation options in the heart of the city for people living with a disability will be a first and we’re proud of what it will offer.”

The development is expected to be completed by mid-2018.

A look inside Maughan Church, as two people renew their wedding vows.

Inside the new Maughan Church during its dedication ceremony, 1965.