Junction Australia has announced an expansion of its 50-apartment development for youth and social housing at Renewal SA’s Tonsley Innovation District, after securing $65.6 million in federal government funds to grow its South Australian projects.
An additional 63 apartments will form the second stage of Junction Australia’s ‘Thrive Tonsley’ development, bringing the total number of homes it delivers within the precinct to 113, at a combined cost of about $70 million.
Matt Hogan, Renewal SA’s Development Director for Innovation Districts and City, said the expansion of Junction’s Tonsley project was a welcome boost to housing in the precinct.
“Increases to housing, and especially the diversity of housing within the precinct, are important to the growth and sustainability of the Tonsley Innovation District,” Mr Hogan said.
“I commend Junction for its continued collaboration with government in addressing critical housing challenges, particularly in support of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Funding for the expansion was secured through the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), a $10 billion Commonwealth initiative aimed at increasing the supply of affordable and social housing across the country.
Junction confirmed $26.5 million will be invested into the Tonsley precinct, while the balance will contribute to projects Tide at West and St Clair.
Watch: Flythrough animation of Tonsley Innovation District and Junction Australia's 'Thrive Tonsley' development.
News of the expansion comes as stage one of Thrive Tonsley reaches a milestone, with construction of the seven-storey frame structure topping out this week.
Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said government partnerships were key to addressing the housing crisis, and the organisation was focused on pushing forward with its projects.
“Together with our development partners, we are moving forward to deliver the housing South Australians so desperately need,” Ms Palumbo said.
Construction on stage one began in June 2024, led by national builder Schiavello, located on the south-west corner of Tonsley’s main assembly building.
It includes eight studio apartments, three of which will be disability compliant, alongside 17 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments across seven floors.
Construction is expected to finish early next year, with Junction planning to relocate its head office from Parkside, and 150 staff to Tonsley shortly after.
Stage two, announced today, is expected to break ground next door later this year, with completion targeted for early 2027.
The location will include a community service hub to boost support for residents and the local community, and a café and co-working space.
Details of the makeup of apartments have not yet been announced.
Junction Australia is a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting vulnerable South Australians through housing and community services, including foster and residential care, homelessness support, and domestic violence services.