TOGA Group, alongside Atlassian and Dexus, partners to provide short-term accommodation for at-risk youth and refugees.
Facilitated by My Foundations Youth Housing, the former Adina Apartment Hotel will act as a critical stop-gap to provide residents with safe, secure and affordable housing Retail space given to Thread Together to provide tenants and others in need with brand new clothing.
TOGA Group, Atlassian and Dexus have joined forces with not-for-profit organisation My Foundations Youth Housing (MFYH) to launch The Central Project, providing those in need with temporary accommodation.
“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 Rebecca Mullins, MFYH CEO.The building known as The Central Project has been made available as an interim housing solution while Development Approval (DA) is being assessed for TOGA’s development. Previously operating as the TFE Adina Apartment Hotel, The Central Project has the capacity to house up to 50 people while they transition to more permanent accommodation.
The Central Project is located next to Central Station and alongside Atlassian’s new Sydney headquarters, Atlassian Central, currently under construction and the three buildings that will comprise Central Place Sydney. TOGA, Atlassian Central and Central Place Sydney will bookend the northern end of Sydney’s new technology and innovation precinct.
“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. 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,” said Allan Vidor, TOGA Group Managing Director.
According to Vidor this maximises a unique opportunity to collaborate with Atlassian, Dexus and MFYH to make the most of a fully equipped, apartment hotel that is available for affordable housing.
“Since the early days of Atlassian, giving back has been part of our DNA. 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,” said Ric Wang, Atlassian Global Head of Real Estate & Design.
“Our partnership with Atlassian, My Foundations Youth Housing and TOGA Group to support at-risk youth and refugees in need of accommodation demonstrates the positive social impact organisations can have when they think outside the box,” said Peter Morley, Atlassian Central Dexus Project Director.
MFYH has a history of partnering with TOGA Group, co-launching the Addison Project in 2014, which provided temporary accommodation to 850 young people over four years.
The Central Project includes an anchoring retail space where Thread Together will open a shop to provide clothing for the occupants and others referred from social agencies.
“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 Anthony Chesler, Thread Together CEO.