3 million boost for redevelopment of historic community facility

People recovering from drug and alcohol addiction will have access to improved facilities thanks to a $3 million grant to help the Salvation Army redevelop the historic William Booth House.

The City of Sydney grant is part of a $28.6 million overhaul of the Surry Hills facility that will ensure it continues benefitting local communities.

“It’s wonderful to be able to provide this funding when the sector is facing increasing challenges in offering this type of community support,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

“This facility will help improve access to vital programs and services for people with complex and challenging needs.”

The redevelopment will better meet the needs of residents, transforming multiple shared living spaces and dormitories for 45 people to 51 single rooms with ensuites.

Larger shared living areas will be replaced by a residential kitchen, lounge and dining area on each floor.

In addition to providing residential space, the Albion Street redevelopment features a new outdoor and exercise space for the facility’s wellbeing and health programs.

William Booth House will also expand its non-residential rehabilitation programs to enable increased community treatment.

The new building will feature spaces that are flexible and can be easily adjusted to meet changing demands for rehabilitation and harm reduction services.

NSW Public Relations Secretary at the Salvation Army, Andrew Hill, said “William Booth House plays a vital role in supporting people experiencing drug or alcohol addiction.

“We employ a best practice model in addiction treatment, informed by decades of experience working in this area. This facility will promote human dignity and independence and the redevelopment will make a positive difference to people and community for decades to come.”

The $3 million grant is from the City of Sydney’s affordable and diverse housing fund.

Established in 2015, the fund was set up from a $10 million land sale at Harold Park and promotes the development of affordable and diverse rental housing in the local area by community housing providers, not-for-profit and for-profit organisations.

Now approved, the William Booth House redevelopment will enter into the next phase, with construction expected to begin towards the end of the year.