The Salvation Army Head Office

  • Description Office refurbishment
  • Location Redfern
  • Sector Commercial
  • Sub-Sector Commercial, Speculative Suites, Workplace
  • Specialties Fitout, Refurbishment
  • Contract Type Cost Plus
  • Delivery Method Construction Management
  • Client The Salvation Army
  • Architect Bates Smart
  • Photographer Paramount Studios
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The new headquarters for The Salvation Army brings together more than 400 staff into a unified, modern workplace that strengthens the organisation’s ability to serve communities across New South Wales. Transforming the former South Sydney Leagues Club into a light‑filled, nurturing environment, the project supports the Salvos’ mission to care for people, build well-supported communities and work for justice. Designed to “care for the carers,” the new headquarters provides spaces that promote wellbeing, collaboration and connection for an organisation whose work touches Australians experiencing hardship and disadvantage.

Delivered within an 8-month program, the project demanded exceptional planning, communication and resource management. The building remained partially occupied above and below the construction levels, and the busy street frontage required strict traffic control and carefully sequenced materials handling. Major structural works, including the demolition of two 70m² floor openings to create the new atrium, were completed above the main materials entry point, requiring precise staging, catch‑deck systems and continuous coordination. We contracted resources so the site could run double shifts to ensure program certainty.

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Bates Smart’s design introduced warm, natural materials, abundant daylight and adaptable layouts that support wellbeing. Key features include the central connecting staircase, a breakout space, counselling rooms, prayer and multi-purpose room, a recording studio, media room, end‑of‑trip facilities and open plan workspaces. Finishes such as Supawood ceilings, American oak flooring, polished concrete, ply, custom rugs and subtle references to The Salvation Army’s red branding were integrated to create brand and building alignment.

The scope included partial demolition of the existing club, structural modifications, creation of the atrium, and an 8,000m² fitout across three-storeys, plus lobby upgrades and integration with the basement car park The completed headquarters provides a functional and inspiring workplace that supports the Salvos’ vital community work.

Hear from our Industry Partners…

Rohan McDonald
Former Managing Director, The Salvation Army

It has always been a pleasure to work with the Grindley team in the past and particularly whilst I was with The Salvation Army. I have recommended Grindley to other not-for-profit organisations, as I find that the dedication and ethos to the Client is reflective in their business, which is led from the top down. They work ‘with’ the Client, creating a good experience throughout the entire project.

Craig Redfern
Capital Works / Development Manager, The Salvation Army

The time in which this project was designed, built and completed was approximately eight months. To meet the completion deadline, Grindley ran two foremen on site, plus double shifts of contractors. They also negotiated, at no cost to The Salvation Army, that the contractors supplied enough resources to work on all three floors of 2,500m2 simultaneously. These are just some of the items that have shown the dedication to the goal, time frame, cost and quality that was expected by The Salvation Army. I believe that Grindley exceeded all of these given the complexities and expectations throughout the different stages of the project and without their help the project would not have reached the finish and standard.