The redevelopment of the former Canberra Police Community Youth Club (Canberra PCYC) site in Turner has reached a major milestone, with the topping out of the 55-unit social and affordable housing project marked by the attendance of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and PCYC Patron.
The development, being undertaken by partners including community housing provider CHC Australia and Canberra PCYC, supported by the Snow Foundation, will deliver long-term rental homes for essential workers and at-risk young people, adding much-needed supply at a time of sustained pressure in the affordable rental market.
The construction milestone was recognised at a topping out event today, bringing together official guests alongside senior representatives of the project partners and builder Core Building Group. Young people supported by Canberra PCYC, including those involved in the project, were also present and met the Governor General.
Located on the site of the former Canberra PCYC headquarters, the project is supported by funding from the ACT Government through its Affordable Housing Project Fund, and the Federal Government through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
The new project will deliver 45 affordable rental units for key workers, 10 one-bedroom social housing units for at-risk young people aged 16 to 24 years, and a social enterprise café staffed by Canberra PCYC participants, with opportunities for other Canberra PCYC-supported young people to gain hands-on construction experience during the build. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The well-known derelict building on site – the long-term home of CPCYC until storm damage rendered it unusable – was demolished last year with a photographic record of the building’s distinctive graffiti preserved and aspects to be incorporated into the new development.
Governor General of Australia and CPCYC Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC said: “This is a community build – it’s centred on care and kindness and respect. It’s been a long time in the making. I want to thank everybody for turning this site – Turner One – into a place that’s going to reflect everything that has always been hoped for in this part of Canberra. It’s a generational investment into the people of Canberra and a fulfillment of the goals of PCYC.”
Canberra PCYC CEO Cheryl O’Donnell said: “For Canberra PCYC, this project is about more than buildings — it’s about creating both a home and real opportunities for young people, alongside delivering much-needed housing for essential workers. As these homes near completion, we are seeing a vision come to life that will provide safe, stable accommodation for young people, supported by pathways into education, employment and community connection. We also thank our partners — from consultants and businesses to government — for their generosity and expertise in helping create a new beginning for this site and the people it will serve.”
CHC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “The topping out of the Turner project is a significant milestone in turning long-held plans for this site into homes that will be ready for residents from the first quarter of next year. It’s a practical example of what effective private and public partnerships can achieve to deliver additional affordable, high-quality housing to those most in need.”
Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron said: “What a moment to celebrate. This redevelopment reflects years of shared commitment and collaboration, and we’re thrilled to continue to play our part and see the Turner site finally taking shape and starting to feel real. Together with Canberra PCYC, CHC Australia and the ACT and Federal Governments, it is becoming a place of stability and opportunity for young people, alongside affordable homes for essential workers and a social enterprise café at the heart of the community.”
Further information on the project can be found at PCYC – Turner One – CHC