Century-Old Hostel Cleared for Apartment Conversion

Construction works are expected to kick off on the redevelopment of Adelaide’s Salvation Army Women’s Hostel in early 2024.

The project named Sutherland was approved in 2021 with an aim to repurpose the hostel and make way for two and three-bedroom apartments. 

In Adelaide City’s east end, the site at 341-345 Angas Street opened in 1922 and was used for accommodating young women looking for professional jobs, until its most recent use as a backpacking hostel.

Edberg Developments are leading the development, with Matthews Architects behind the designs. 

The developer plans to add an extra storey to the three-level building and an additional four-levels to the back part, allowing for eight apartments in total.

Matthews Architects managing director Gerald Matthews said adapting heritage buildings and already existing infrastructure would ease Adelaide’s housing-supply shortage without having to release farmland for residential use. 

“The buildings already exist, they just need help to adapt,” Matthews said.

▲ The former Salvation Army Womens Hostel in Adelaide holds a rich history since 1922.

He said there is a high number of vacant old office buildings scattered throughout Adelaide CBD, and alternative solutions to building code requirements through legislation changes could be the key to meeting housing demands. 

If all goes according to plan, the $7-million facelift would be expected to attract people wanting cosmopolitan, inner-city living, according to Matthews.

Because there is a range of apartment styles suited to couples or larger ones for families, the interest is “already impressive” ahead of the apartments hitting the market. 

Council members originally opposed the idea of adding an extension to the existing structure due to an invasion of privacy, it was reported, however the approval was given in 2021.