Australia’s leading independent law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has advised St George Community Housing (SGCH) on its ground-breaking Foyer Central project in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Chippendale providing 53 apartments to young people who might otherwise face homelessness and a further 20 affordable housing apartments. The Foyer Central project was officially opened on 8 February 2021.
The Foyer component of the development seeks to provide self-contained, student-style accommodation and common areas for young people exiting out-of-home care. SGCH developed the accommodation and Uniting will provide 24-hour on-site support to the Foyer residents helping them to build new skills and transition to further independence.
Uniting will receive funding from a social benefit bond developed by Social Ventures Australia in partnership with the Department of Family and Community Services.
Corrs advised SGCH on the acquisition of the site, debt financing arrangements with Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited, financial support from the Department of Family and Community Services and the Council of the City of Sydney, and leasing and services arrangements with Uniting.
The Corrs team was led by Partners Rommel Harding-Farrenberg and Andrew Chew.
According to Rommel, “Corrs is delighted to have assisted SGCH in a unique project that brings together organisations sharing the ambition to provide a safe haven and strong support to at-risk young people as they endeavour to achieve their dreams.”