Wellington Street – Where Are We At?

We’re getting very close.

The building works at Wellington Street are rapidly nearing completion, with handover expected in mid-August. Inside, all twenty-six self-contained residential units are being fitted out with lighting, electricals, and bathroom fixtures. Painting and flooring are underway, setting the tone for what will soon be warm, welcoming homes.

Outside, the communal areas are also coming to life, with internal partitions, glazed doors, and screens being installed. If you pass the site, look up and you’ll see the striking steel frame that will support a custom-designed decorative screen. Once completed, it will give the building a bold, contemporary look that will improve the look of the whole streetscape.

As soon as the builders hand over the keys, we’ll move in to furnish the spaces. Every room will be equipped with beds, tables, chairs, couches, blinds, and TVs, all thoughtfully chosen to create a homely and comfortable environment that supports stability and dignity.

Wellington Street will provide much more than housing. With on-site support services, it will offer 26 current rough sleepers a safe, permanent and stylish place to live, a place that will provide them the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

 

The Team Behind the Build

Projects like this don’t come together by chance. They take time, expertise, and a shared commitment from a whole team of consultants, contractors, and tradies, many of whom have poured their heart into this build. They get what the building means in the work to tackle local homelessness.

Our partners at Bowden Corporation have been instrumental. Two of their senior team members have led the charge: Project Manager Izad Samsudin and Site Manager Mick Bullows.Izad has been with Wellington Street since day one, literally since the demolition and “turning of the sod” back in January 2024. With 35 years’ experience in civil engineering and project management, he brings deep knowledge and strong leadership to complex builds. For Izad, the project’s tight inner-suburban site created plenty of logistical challenges, but the opportunity to deliver housing for the community’s most vulnerable made it deeply meaningful.

Mick joined the project in August 2024 after managing a major redevelopment at Xavier College. A carpenter by trade with 31 years of experience including 17 as a Site Manager, Mick is a problem-solver who takes pride in building with purpose. He’s enjoyed working with the skilled team of tradies, consultants, and our staff, and calls Wellington Street “a fantastic and worthwhile build.”

 

Looking Ahead

We’re incredibly grateful to the dedicated team who have brought Wellington Street to life and we’re excited to take the next steps as we prepare to welcome residents into their new homes. This project reflects what’s possible when people with vision and heart work together.

Stay tuned for the official launch in the coming months and thank you, as always, for your support and interest.