Scene of horrific stabbing set for major upgrade
A public housing site that was the scene of a horrific slaying earlier this year is set for a major upgrade.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion and Adelaide MP Lucy Hood today announced that Gilberton’s Bentzen Court will be transformed under a major renovation.
The SA Housing Trust unit was the site of a horrific stabbing in July, with a woman charged with the murder of tenant Andrew Sorby-Adams.
The renovation was prompted by concerns about antisocial behaviour at Housing Trust sites by nearby neighbours.
Upgrades to Bentzen Court include demolishing outdated external laundries and installing internal laundries in each unit, new kitchens and bathrooms in units, improving lighting and energy efficiency, and upgrading fencing and pathways.
According to the government, the upgrades would address concerns about antisocial behaviour by improving the tenancy mix, as well as improving the site’s physical appearance.
The state government said that many tenants have already been evicted for antisocial behaviour, while others are being relocated to other public housing properties while the renovations take place.
Earlier this year, the Malinauskas Labor government announced a range of measures to make Bentzen Court safer, including 24/7 security patrols and increased cleaning services.
In September, the government also announced SA Housing Trust’s Good Neighbour Policy, which strengthened the existing three-strikes warning system.
Stay informed, daily
Renovations are ongoing at Glengowrie Court at Glengowrie, Drew Court at Oaklands Park, Sturt Street in Adelaide and Nicholls Court in Findon.
Champion said the upgrade would bring Bentzen Court “up to modern standards, will make the site cleaner and safer”.
“The new Bentzen Court will give tenants and neighbours the confidence that their homes and communities are cared for and will be secure,” he said.
Hood said she had established a monthly working group to hear directly from residents and to receive updates on security and upgrades at the site.
“This announcement is a great example of the community, council, state government and the agency working together to achieve a positive outcome,” she said.
