Creating Kingdom spaces at Miranda

27 February 2023

The Salvation Army NSW/ACT Public Relations Secretary Major David Collinson (left), with Managing Director of Formus Property, Ben Fairfax and Shire Salvos Team Leader Mark Soper at the Shire Salvos Miranda site, which will be redeveloped for greater missional use.

The Salvation Army has entered into a partnership to redevelop its Shire Salvos Miranda site into a centre of transformation for the community in Sydney’s south.

“There has been a growing demand for social support and faith pathway connections in the Sutherland Shire over many years,” said Shire Salvos Team Leader Mark Soper. “This is something that Shire Salvos corps and leaders have dreamed and prayed about for the past 15 to 20 years. To see it starting to take shape is exciting!”

After a 12-month expression of interest process to find a partner that aligns with the principles, mission and vision for the site, The Salvation Army appointed Formus Property to work with it. The proposed redevelopment will include a purpose-built, holistic community centre that offers a variety of professional services and faith pathways for community members.

In addition to the new community centre, the partnership will explore building a mix of apartments, including affordable housing, a Salvos Store at ground level, along with a social enterprise cafe providing opportunities for social connection and job skills, building upon the over 55 years of great work by Shire Salvos personnel.

Mark says a key part of the process is partnering with other organisations and churches to bring about positive transformation across the Sutherland Shire: “Already we have Salvation Army services operating from our Miranda site, such as Oasis Reconnect, Drive for Life, SAL Connect, casework and an alcohol and other drugs worker.

“We also partner with several churches and community services to deliver food relief throughout the week. I truly believe that unity will bring about revival. I believe that The Salvation Army is part of bringing churches together. It’s already happening in the Shire, and this is just the beginning.”

On-site construction is not expected to start until mid-2025. The development will be funded by Formus Property while aligning with The Salvation Army’s mission, values and intent for the site.