Whitmore Square - Iparrityi Strategic Property Review
Project Overview
The Salvation Army (TSA) is undertaking a strategic property review of its landholding on the corner of Gilbert and Morphett Streets and Whitmore Square - Iparrityi, Adelaide.
The review is seeking to achieve an innovative, contemporary and high-quality design response that accommodates improved facilities to enhance and broaden the social mission support services offered on-site.
This response will align with cultural values and establish a sense of place and purpose that facilitates healthy and vibrant community connections and provides a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
We want to journey together with our community and we are consulting with a diverse range of stakeholders including individuals, businesses and organisations from the local community and Adelaide City.
Our first steps have been to understand our site constraints and opportunities and to complete a cultural mapping and information gathering. We are also exploring a range of funding options including partnerships. This process is taking longer than expected and we hope to provide an update on how we are progressing at the end of 2025.
The Salvation Army site on Whitmore Square (62 - 68 Whitmore Square) contains a mix of buildings, some with heritage significance.
The site initially housed the residence of Judge Charles Cooper from 1839, a room of which was used as the South Australian Supreme Court until 1843. The building was a private residence until 1870, then was leased by the Bushmen's Club from 1870 with modifications for short-term accommodation. Additions were undertaken in 1871 - 73, with the construction of a new 'central' building facing Gilbert Street in 1878 (subsequently demolished in 1979).
Purchased by The Salvation Army in 1899, the site's various buildings were used for the purposes of the Army's Industrial Home, Maternity Home and Prison-gate Brigade Home initiatives. In 1910, the 1839 former Cooper residence was demolished to construct the current building now known as William Booth Memorial Home. The 1871 - 73 additions are the sole surviving elements of the former Bushmen's Club premises.
The Salvation Army Whitmore Square site continues to operate as a centre of support for vulnerable South Australians. This represents the longest continuous service of its type in Australia.
The Whitmore Square sit is home to the Sobering Up Unit, Warrondi Engage & Link Day Program, Kurlana Padnipadninya – transitional supported accommodation and a Salvos Store.
Register your interest in the Strategic Property Review
We anticipate there will be an opportunity for community members to engage with the project by early 2026, and invite anyone who wishes to be involved to register their interest by completing this form or emailing [email protected]
We will contact you to invite you to participate in consultations as they arise.
Updates
Updates on the progress of the project will be provided on this site and emailed out to those registering their interest when available. Currently, we expect our next update to be towards the end of 2025.