Aiming high in retirement living and financial sustainability


The ‘Uniting in the City’ project in Adelaide will be a unique, multi-use hub for the community. One of its most exciting features will be the U City retire- ment residences on the upper floors of the 20-storey building.


Residents will be able to enjoy the best of city living on the corner of Franklin and Pitt Streets, in the heart of the Market precinct. Forty-one well-appoint- ed one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available, with outdoor and communal spaces offering the chance to enjoy the sweeping views and to get to know other residents.


‘These apartments will provide new, exciting options for older people who wish to enjoy their retirement in vibrant independent living accommodation,’ says Executive Manager Aged Care, Mel Ottaway, ‘We be- lieve this is a first in city living for older Australians.’


The building will have a focus on sustainability, and will also house Uniting Communities’ services, disability accommodation, and provide spaces for commercial and retail businesses.


As well as the benefits a mixed-use facility of this kind will offer to the community, it will also allow Uniting Communities to further its commitment to financial sustainability. Many of the services current- ly based in metropolitan Adelaide will be relocated to the new building to improve cost and resourcing efficiencies.


Additionally, the U City development provides the organisation sig- nificant opportunity to expand on its sustainable financial model for the future, allowing rein- vestment into services and strengthening our ability to provide a city-based hub for our clients.


On a broader scale, the area around the building will be undergoing its own makeover, with funds committed by the State government and Adelaide City Council to rejuvenate Her Majesty’s Theatre and the surrounding network of connected laneways linking to the Railway Station and riverbank area.


Render of the external façade


Render of the proposed function centre inside the building Australia Day honour for Chief Executive


Uniting Communities’ Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel, has been awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2017 Australia Day honours.


Simon received the title in recognition of his significant service to the community, particularly to children and families through social welfare organisations, programs and initiatives.


Originally trained in Social Work, Simon has worked in social services practice, management and policy development and advocacy for the past 30 years in both Government and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.


Simon Schrapel


He joined Uniting Communities as Chief Executive in mid-2010, committed to building on the organisation’s history and reputation as a progressive agency for social change, reconciliation and fostering compassionate and resilient communities.


Simon is currently driving the organisation’s ground-breaking Uniting in the City development project. 5


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