Last Thursday, Coronation joined leaders from across property, housing, government and the community sector for Concept to Community: Lessons in Meanwhile Use.
The session brought together organisations involved in delivering housing, managing property and supporting people experiencing housing insecurity to explore a practical question: how can underutilised assets create meaningful value while they await their next purpose?
Rather than focusing only on the scale of the housing challenge, the discussion centred on what can be done now.
Speakers shared the partnerships, considerations and delivery models that can help turn a vacant property into safe, supported accommodation, while being clear about the responsibilities involved.
Coronation House provided a real-world reference point for the conversation.
Delivered in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Australia and the Aboriginal Women and Children’s Crisis Service, the initiative has temporarily activated an underutilised home for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
The project demonstrates the role each partner can play from providing the asset and completing refurbishment works to managing the home and supporting the families who live there.
It also prompted a broader discussion about the role of industry leadership.
For property owners, this begins with understanding what sits within an existing portfolio and whether suitable assets could be used differently for a period of time. For boards and senior leaders, it means creating the conditions for considered action by bringing the right expertise, safeguards and oversight to the table.
Meanwhile Use is not a replacement for the long-term housing supply Australia needs. It is a practical way to use what already exists while more permanent solutions are delivered.
The session was an opportunity to share what has been learned through Coronation House, hear from those working across the housing system and consider how similar partnerships could be made easier to establish and repeat.
Thank you to Habitat for Humanity Australia, the Aboriginal Women and Children’s Crisis Service, Shelter NSW, the Property Industry Foundation and everyone who contributed to the discussion.
Explore the resources from the session or watch the opening address from The Hon. Rose Jackson MP below → Read the Lessons in Meanwhile Use paper