Salvos set to assist an additional 500 people yearly with William Booth House upgrade

 (From left) Turning the first sod on the William Booth House redevelopment: Divisional Commander, Major Robyn Black; Grindley Construction General Manager and Director, Asha Meller; NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr Michael Holland; Head of Social and Community Mission, Major Claire Emerton; and Head of External Communications, Major Bruce Harmer.

BY LAUREN MARTIN

The first sod has been turned on a major redevelopment of The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Other Drugs service, William Booth House.

The moment was marked at a ceremony attended by Salvation Army leadership, members of parliament and leaders of the construction company, Grindley Construction.

“[William Booth House] is a place where thousands of people have found hope, a second chance at life, they’ve found peace, joy,” said New South Wales ACT Divisional Commander, Major Robyn Black. “It sounds too good to be true, but I know so many people who are living with freedom from addiction and giving back to society and their families in so many ways.

“This renovation is so crucial to the ongoing work and ministry of The Salvation Army and we’re grateful for everyone who has supported us this far.”

The Salvation Army has been delivering services from the William Booth House site in inner-Sydney for 104 years. This redevelopment will upgrade facilities and increase the number of beds onsite. It also includes a new ground-floor space for day programs, which will allow The Salvation Army to support an additional 500 people per year in their recovery journey.

“This redevelopment represents much more than the upgrading of a physical space,” said Head of External Communications, Major Bruce Harmer, at the launch. “It represents renewed opportunity, expanded capacity, and an enhanced ability to walk alongside people who are facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.”

The New South Wales government has contributed $6 million towards the redevelopment, with NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr Michael Holland present at the sod-turning event.

The Salvation Army partnered with construction company Grindley Construction for the project, with Asha Meller, General Manager and Director of Grindley Construction, also speaking at the event.

Whilst the renovation is underway, Salvation Army Alcohol and Other Drugs services in the city of Sydney are being delivered at nearby Foster House, a Salvation Army homelessness accommodation service.

It’s expected the renovation will be completed in early 2027.