The Salvation Army has lodged a proposal to demolish its old buildings in Surry Hills and redevelop the site on Campbell Street as part of its strategy to become sustainable for the long term.
The old buildings, dating back to 1910 and 1913, are not heritage-listed despite being located in the Reservoir Street and Fosterville Heritage Conservation Area.
However, the development application, D/2022/1148, cited that the brick facade on 81-83 Campbell Street will be restored and kept intact. The other building on 85 Campbell Street has extensive water damage, thus the plan to demolish it.
Salvos outlined in the DA that the redevelopment is part of its “Inner City Project renewal program of social mission services” that aims to improve the quality of its outreach to people in need. The organisation notes that most of its existing facilities are “no longer fit for purpose and require excessive maintenance.”
Currently, the Surry Hills buildings are commercial properties but these sites fund the Salvos’ broader charitable programs. Hence, the redevelopment will be “critical importance to the delivery of this social infrastructure.”
The Salvation Army projects the cost of construction at $24.5 million and will include high-quality commercial spaces that will provide long-term and sustainable income for the organisation.
Once completed, spaces in the building will be rented to small and medium-scale enterprises.