Inaugural affordable housing development for women celebrates ‘topping out’ milestone in Adelaide

A $15.7 million affordable housing development prioritising women-led families impacted by domestic and family violence reached a significant construction milestone in the heart of Adelaide today.

The 24 long-term, affordable rental apartments are being developed over seven floors on Hutt Street by Australia’s only national specialist women’s housing provider YWCA Australia.

A topping-out ceremony celebrated the YWCA Australia development reaching its maximum height of 28m. To mark the milestone, a tree symbolising growth, strength and longevity of the development’s construction and the community it will serve, was raised by crane to the top floor.

On track for completion in early 2025, the YWCA Australia development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments will become home to up to 57 residents - women and their families - priced out of the rental market. Priority tenancy will be given to women-led families who have experienced domestic and family violence.

It is the first project of its kind being built by YWCA Australia in South Australia, as the national housing crisis continues to disproportionately affect single-women-led families, particularly those impacted by domestic and family violence. 

The development is being funded by YWCA Australia, with support from the South Australian Government through a $5 million no-interest loan.

Attributable to YWCA Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Phillips:

"As a specialist women’s housing provider, it is fantastic to reach this milestone and to be one step closer to delivering 24 new homes for women in Adelaide that need it most.

“We know too many women and gender diverse people in South Australia are struggling to find a secure, affordable home that meets their needs. YWCA Australia is committed to developing more housing in South Australia to meet this ongoing demand.”

Attributable to Human Services Minister Nat Cook:

“Projects like this one in Hutt St play such an important part in providing safe and affordable rentals for people who need them, in particular for women and children who are leaving a domestic and family violence situation.

“This development will provide a safe and stable environment for women and their children to heal and recover from trauma.

“Without projects like this, vulnerable women may find themselves experiencing homelessness or in unsafe situations.”

Attributable to Tandem Building Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg:

“We are proud to be delivering this community-shaping project and to support YWCA Australia’s national mission of providing social and affordable housing for women.

“We are committed to not only handing over a quality product for our client, but also seeing the meaningful impact that this project will have on the lives of women across the country.”

Attributable to Tandem Building Project Director Jenny Gwynne:

“Our team is passionate about supporting YWCA Australia’s core mission and pleased to be collaborating with many talented women on this project, delivering tangible outcomes that will benefit women in the community."