A former public housing site in Henley Beach has been transformed by Unity Housing into a $48 million mixed housing development, adding much-needed affordable and social rental accommodation to the popular beachside community.
Unity Housing CEO Matthew Woodward, Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion, Labor Candidate for Colton Aria Bolkus and Unity Housing Board Chair Leigh Garrett.
Officially opened today, 2 July 2025, the Henley Beach South Coast Project is a major milestone in Unity Housing’s commitment to delivering more social and affordable housing to low-income households increasingly priced out of the rental market in metropolitan Adelaide.
In partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT), Unity Housing’s Henley Beach South Coast development has transformed the 0.9ha former public housing site into modern, sustainable apartments and townhouses on sought after Henley Beach Road.
The mixed housing development replaces 52 outdated public housing flats built in 1957 and has been designed to strengthen the local community through thoughtful design, strong partnerships, and genuine community engagement. It includes:
- 22 two-and-three-bedroom affordable rental townhouses owned and operated by Unity Housing.
- 5 two-bedroom social apartments owned and operated by Unity Housing.
- 23 two-bedroom social rental apartments for people aged 55 and over owned by the SAHT and managed by Unity Housing.
- 20 townhouses sold to market (phase one of the development).
Construction of the affordable townhouses and social apartments was completed in May, and they are expected to be fully tenanted by the end of July.
The all-electric site includes 700 solar panels installed across the development’s mixed housing, car chargers fitted in Unity Housing’s affordable townhouses and an open green community space and street landscaping. The 28 social housing apartments are built to meet Supported Disability Accommodation ‘Improved Liveability’ standards.
Designed by City Collective and built by Centina, the development secured funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord Facility (Round One) to support the delivery of 19 affordable townhouses and five of the social housing apartments.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said: “These outstanding new homes provide affordable rental accommodation in a prime Adelaide beach-side location, directly opposite a premier public high school. The Henley Beach South Coast project not only rejuvenates an outdated SA Housing Trust site, it creates affordable housing opportunities in sustainable townhouses and apartments in a vibrant beachside community.”
Unity Housing CEO Matthew Woodward said: “This is a landmark project that sets the new standard for affordable, inclusive and sustainable living in Henley Beach South. It delivers much-needed housing for low-income households, seniors, and the broader community. Our $48 million development is not just housing – it is also about strengthening the fabric of the community, reflecting the character and needs of the neighborhood and delivering high quality, affordable homes that foster connection, dignity, and opportunity.”
Centina Managing Director Paul Nardinocchi said: “Aligned with Centina’s vision to be known as a company that positively impacts communities, we are proud to partner with Unity Housing on the construction of this project. The townhouses and apartments provide much needed social and affordable housing to low income and ageing community members and are situated in an exceptional location only minutes to the beach and near amenities.”
