Toga and Qualitas temporarily donate former Sydney hotel to homeless youths

Community housing provider My Foundations Youth Housing will operate the accommodation.

TOGA managing director Allan Vidor said the partnerships between the private and public sectors, and sensible planning reform can address housing challenges for young people in Sydney.

“By making available our building we hope to make a difference in the lives of those who stay at The Addison Project as well as inspire other property owners to consider utilising their vacant assets,” Mr Vidor said.

“Together, the private and public sectors must work toward meaningful planning reform which has the potential to unlock many opportunities to make empty buildings across Sydney immediately available to those who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.”

The Addison Project will offer crisis accommodation for those at risk of homelessness and young people with a safe space to live and study. Addison Hotel is 700 metres from the University of NSW.

“Whilst not intended as a solution to homelessness, it is a positive step in the right direction while we work towards addressing the provision of housing in a practical and immediate way,” My Foundations Youth Housing chairman, Associate Professor David McKenzie said.

OzHarvest will also open OzHarvest Market, a “rescued food” supermarket with donations from the public, at the property.

The three-level Addison Hotel with 42 fully furnished rooms, each with a bathroom and kitchenette, will become home to youths aged between 16 and 24.

Toga and Qualitas bought the property set on a 1453 square metre site with 35 parking spaces for $48 million in 2015, from an offshore investor who acquired it a year earlier for about $17 million.