The Salvation Army is partnering with Investa to explore a new future for our 140 Elizabeth Street building. This proposed redevelopment is about more than buildings - it's about renewing our commitment to serve the city with even greater impact, while honouring our legacy in the heart of Sydney.

Through this project, our focus is to honour the past, stand in the present, and look to the future that God is calling us to. The proposal supports this focus by providing a fit for purpose mission and community space in the heart of the city to continue to deliver our mission to see our city transformed one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

We appreciate that there are many stakeholders who need to be considered as we progress through the project. The Salvation Army will be providing regular updates to our SCS staff, volunteers, Corps members and wider community as we prepare to vacate the building, and during construction.

The project so far

The Salvation Army’s journey to explore the redevelopment of our City Salvos site at 140 Elizabeth Street has been carefully and prayerfully considered. From the beginning, our heart has been to provide meaningful updates only when details are confirmed. This is a complex and evolving process, and we’ve wanted to avoid confusion by sharing information that might later change.

To help guide us through this, The Salvation Army has engaged trusted, market-leading professionals who are working closely with our THQ Property team. Their role is to ensure that our mission, values, and best interests are protected every step of the way.

Earlier in the process, we invited proposals from developers who were not only highly capable in projects of this size and scale but also aligned with our mission and values. After a thorough and prayerful selection process, Investa emerged as our preferred partner - a choice we made with confidence and clarity.

Our legal and property teams have been working hand-in-hand with Investa to formalise the partnership. At the same time, early design work has begun on the ‘frame’ and external shell of the new building in consultation with the City of Sydney Council. Throughout these discussions, we’ve been clear about our priorities — the essential elements that reflect our calling and our commitment to serving the city.

This redevelopment isn’t just about new walls and spaces. It is about building for future ministry, creating a place of hope and welcome, and continuing to be a light in the heart of Sydney.

Where is the project up to?

The next major milestone for the redevelopment is submitting a development application (DA) to the City of Sydney Council.

The Salvation Army has worked closely with Investa in recent months to agree on an overall external building design that meets the needs of both SCS and Investa. The aim is to lodge the DA with Council by the end of June 2025.

 

About the DA

The DA includes:

• demolishing the existing building

• constructing a new 17-storey building, which includes:

  • SCS utilising the ground and 1st floors for purpose-built mission and community space

  • providing 251 rooms of co-living style accommodation and amenities (including communal areas for co-living tenants, basement services etc)

 

SCS now, into 2026 and beyond

Sydney City Salvos isn’t defined by buildings - our mission and love for the city continue strong through every season. Our vision to see our city transformed one life at a time with the love of Jesus isn’t stalled while a building is under redevelopment. This redevelopment invites us to reimagine what has been, as we step into new and exciting ways to serve and grow with our community.

Our aim is to transition our programs and services at 140 Elizabeth Street to the temporary locations by 30 December 2025.

We’ve already begun conversations with the leaders of the various ministries, programs, and activities currently based at 140 Elizabeth Street. Together, we’re identifying the core needs for each during the transition period. Our aim is to ensure that any move is as smooth and supportive as possible for everyone involved - our people, our teams, and those we serve.

We understand that change can bring both excitement and uncertainty, and we want to acknowledge that this journey may feel different for each of us. During this time, let’s continue to show care, patience, and support for one another - just as we always have.

As we move forward with the redevelopment, we're committed to remaining a strong and supportive presence for our community. Our much-loved family store on Elizabeth Street will continue to play a key role during this time, serving as a welcoming space for connection and care.

We are currently recruiting new volunteers for our Elizabeth St store to expand existing operations to open the family store five days a week. In addition to the family store team, a member of our Community Programs team will also be onsite, ensuring that anyone seeking next level support or guidance has a dedicated person ready to listen and help.

The redevelopment of 140 Elizabeth Street doesn’t pause our mission - it propels it. This season invites us to reimagine how we serve, connect, and bring hope in new and creative ways across our city. We’re not waiting for a new building to begin something new - we’re already living it. The work of transformation, both in bricks and in hearts is already underway.

 

Have a question?

Communication with SCS stakeholders remains our priority, and we will provide regularupdates as we prepare to leave the building. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact:

140 Elizabeth Street Redevelopment Project Team
E: 140es@salvationarmy.org.au
M: P.O. Box 349, Darlinghurst NSW 1300