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Timely start to Hutt St Centre upgrade

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The $2.2m redevelopment of the Hutt St Centre will commence this month despite a controversial review by the Adelaide City Council into compliance with land use regulations.

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The decision to instigate a review has been widely criticised by some members of the community, including Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas, who said he would explore “all parliamentary options for intervention” if the council did not rescind what he described as an “abhorrent and deplorable” decision.

A motion to rescind the decision was due to be considered at the next regular meeting of the Council in June.

Hutt St Centre chief executive Chris Burns said the organisation had conducted a review of its rights and use of the land.

“We are very confident that we are compliant,” he told The Southern Cross.

“We would prefer the review did not go ahead as we believe it is an unnecessary waste of ratepayers’ funds.

“The focus of the Hutt St Centre is to prevent homelessness and to intervene as early as possible to support people out of homelessness.

“The redevelopment is not impacted by the legal review.”

The redevelopment, which was approved by the Adelaide City council’s Assessment Panel in April, increases space within the centre’s existing premises with minor alterations to the entry and façade as well as separate private areas for women and children.

Mr Burns said COVID-19 and the economic effect of restrictions were having an impact on demand. Prior to the crisis, the Adelaide Zero Project had identified 151 people sleeping rough in the CBD through its By Name List and now the sector was caring for more than 300 rough sleepers currently accommodated in hotels and motels throughout Adelaide.

“Many of them have complex needs and require intense case management by organisations such as the Hutt St Centre,” Mr Burns said.

“Much of that case management is conducted offsite and at their accommodation.

“That said, there are still people rough sleeping and in need of the essential wellbeing services we deliver at the centre.

“The upgrade will improve the quality of services and facilities for our clients.”

To donate to the Centre’s Emergency Winter Appeal, visit  www.huttstcentre.org.au

 

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