Almost a year after closing its doors, the former TFE Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Central is serving an important new purpose as affordable temporary accommodation for at-risk youth and refugees.
The initiative sees developer TOGA Group, alongside tech giant Atlassian and leading real estate group Dexus, partner with not-for-profit organisation My Foundations Youth Housing (MFYH) to offer the building as an interim housing solution while awaiting approval for redevelopment as part of new technology and innovation precinct, Central Place Sydney.
The historic building – which once served as a Parcels Post Office but is now a fully-equipped, apartment hotel – will provide safe and secure housing for up to 50 people while they transition to more permanent accommodation.
“Through this initiative we’re able to provide 3-4 floors of secure and affordable apartments and make a real difference to the lives of young people and refugees,” said TOGA Group Managing Director, Allan Vidor.
“These homes will act as a much-needed stop-gap while residents are finding their feet, helped by the team at MFYH and Settlement Services International.”
The property at Central Station, known as The Central Project, is located next to Atlassian’s new Sydney headquarters, Atlassian Central, which is currently under construction.
“Since the early days of Atlassian, giving back has been part of our DNA,” said Atlassian’s Global Head of Real Estate and Design, Ric Wang.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to use an otherwise unoccupied property to make a difference for those in need, having people benefit from the space.”
The Central Project includes a pop-up retail space run by charity Thread Together that provides the occupants and others in need with brand new clothing on a ‘take what you need’ basis.
“Having access to the right clothing plays a critical role in helping restore dignity and empowering people to realise their full potential, and we are delighted to provide our services to a new cohort as part of this innovative project in central Sydney,” said Thread Together CEO, Anthony Chesler.
It’s not the first time TOGA has partnered with MFYH. The two co-launched the Addison Project in 2014, providing temporary accommodation to 850 young people over four years.
“MFYH believes all young people should have a safe, supportive and affordable home, and this project offers accommodation smack bang in central Sydney for people in need, with transport connections and job opportunities on their doorstep,” said MFYH CEO Rebecca Mullins.