Tucker Street apartments near Adelaide parklands set to target at-risk women over 55

These new apartments in a prime part of Adelaide’s CBD are intended to help address a pressing social problem.

The new Tucker Street housing designed for older women at risk of homelessness. Picture: Supplied

Work is underway on 50 new studio apartments near the east parklands specifically designed to help the growing number of South Australian women aged over 55 years at risk of being homeless.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said South Australian builder Mossop Group Pty Ltd expected to finish the $20m block next year in a pocket of land near Hutt Street.

The building will rise alongside another vacant block that has plans currently under review by Planning SA for a 28-storey hotel and apartment complex.

Mr Champion said the Tucker Street apartments would be overseen by the SA Housing Trust with on-site support, medical services, communal gardens, and a computer room so women can access the internet.

The new Tucker Street housing for older women at risk of homelessness. Picture: Supplied

Minister for Housing and Urban development Nick Champion. Picture Dean Martin

It also would have an on-site community wellbeing manager.

COTA SA chief executive Miranda Starke welcomed the news saying growing numbers of South Australian women aged over 55 years of age who have never faced homelessness before are living in cars or struggling to find homes.

“They are less likely to have superannuation that can support them if they are out of work … we are seeing more and more that women who have never faced this challenge are now experiencing homelessness in their 50s and 60s for the first time,” Ms Starke said.

Ms Starke was part of a Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce last year through COTA SA, the peak body for 700,000 older South Australians, with recommendations to the State Government supporting this kind of development.

Human Services Minister Nat Cook said the block that also has five studio apartments accessible for people with mobility requirements and bike spaces would give women “safety and sanctuary”.

299 Pirie Street, picture Leedwell Property

“This accommodation will provide safety, sanctuary, and support to help older women begin a life of secure housing and all of the opportunity that brings,” Ms Cook said.

“Ending homelessness is not just about putting someone in a house, we need to have the right support in place to help people to succeed and this is exactly what this accommodation will do.”

Company 299 Pirie Street Ltd has lodged an application with Planning SA to build the 93.57 metre-high hotel with 258 rooms backing onto the Tucker Street site.

The hotel plan for 299 to 311 Pirie Street includes a restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms.

Developers also want to build 95 residential apartments with a communal pool, spa and gym.

Originally published as Tucker Street apartments near Adelaide parklands set to target at-risk women over 55