More than $1.5 million in pro bono services has allowed the Property Industry Foundation to complete the redevelopment of Melbourne City Mission’s Frontyard Youth Refuge at 19 King Street.

The revamped building was officially launched on Thursday, with Victoria's largest youth homelessness service provider now able to make use of two floors of new crisis accommodation and connected services, designed to disrupt the cycle of youth homelessness in the state.

Property Industry Foundation Chairman Peter Inge said it was encouraging to see the property industry donate their time and expertise to a facility that would assist at-risk and homeless young people.

"We’re proud that our industry has come together to partner with Melbourne City Mission and successfully design and deliver the redeveloped Frontyard facility, which will service the most severely marginalised and disadvantaged youth in our city," he said. 

Related Reading: Property consultants pledge support for world-first youth crisis housing in Melbourne

"Our committed team of pro-bono consultants from some of the largest players in the industry, have worked tirelessly to deliver this project on time and on budget.” 

The pro-bono consultant team included Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, Fender Katsalidis, Norman Disney Young, Built, Hendry Group, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, Wood and Grieve Engineers and Urbis. 

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An artist's impression of one of the new rooms in the Frontyard Facility.

The $9 million redevelopment means the Frontyard facility on King Street is the first of its kind in the country to combine crisis accommodation with multiple support services 24/7, 7 days a week.

Melbourne City Mission CEO Vicki Sutton said the fully-integrated service is designed to meet the needs of  marginalised young people with complex needs who are currently falling through the cracks of siloed service systems.

"Without appropriate interventions, young people can become further entrenched in long-term homelessness and disadvantage," he said.

"The pioneering Frontyard model aims to break this cycle by supporting young people to create a future where they can experience all the benefits of life we often take for granted.” 

Click here for more information for more about Frontyard Youth Services and Melbourne City Mission.

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