Plans have been drawn up to transform a vacant rail asset, the Armidale Cadets Building, into a space that will provide much needed supportive services for youth doing it tough.
Transport for NSW is working with an independent, specialist homelessness services provider, the Women’s Shelter Armidale, to repurpose the former Armidale Cadets Building on Brown Street which has suffered years of being underused and being subject to vandalism.
It is proposed to repurpose and refurbish the building to include a commercial kitchen and laundry facilities and ‘chill out’ zones.
The purpose-built facility will also provide a suite of services including counselling, skills training, and various activities for young people in the community.
Once the upgrade has been completed, Women’s Shelter Armidale will be able to offer rooms to support anyone experiencing hardship who needs crisis accommodation. The team will also be helping them find pathways to more stable housing options.
Transport for NSW Director of Regional Property and Asset Renewal, Victoria Oszko, said the plans to refurbish the Armidale Cadets Building shows that the organisation provides benefits to the community well beyond transport services.
“This project is a part of a program which reactivates underused Transport assets by working together with communities, council and other stakeholders to deliver better outcomes for regional residents,” she said.
“This will help a lot of vulnerable people in a real and impactful way, and we are proud to be a part of it,” Oszko added.
Lyndal Punch, CEO of the Transport Asset Holding Entity, the project funder and owner, said the site’s revitalisation is an ideal way to give this under-utilised asset a new lease on life.
“We are delighted to provide backing and funding for this important project to provide shelter and support services for women, families, and young people.
“This project is an example of TAHE’s commitment to using our assets to build stronger communities,” she said.
Women’s Shelter Armidale CEO Penny Lamaro said the proposed facility will create opportunities to break the cycle of violence, homelessness, and generational trauma within the community.
“We plan to make this facility a safe and nurturing space for young people to connect with peers and develop pathways forward.
“This facility provides our community a safe and positive space somewhere to turn to when things begin to feel overwhelming. We are designing it as a space to reconnect with community,” she added.
“This location will be a hub for members of the community to seek help when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, as well as, breaking the cycle of trauma in our community,” she said.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said this project is a transformative step for Armidale, providing much-needed support for the most vulnerable in the community.
“The repurposing of the Cadets Building into a place where many supportive services are available including temporary supportive accommodation, underscores our commitment to social welfare and community wellbeing.
“As we move forward with this project, we anticipate a significant positive impact on our community. The new facility will provide essential services and support, helping individuals rebuild their lives and contribute to the vibrancy of Armidale.”
The project is currently in the tender award phase, pending funding approval. Construction is planned to start later in 2024, subject to funding and tenders being issued.
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