Trinity Church has received planning approval for the development of its North Terrace site.
The approved project will feature a 1,002-bed student accommodation facility, car parking and new ministry facilities. Construction is expected to commence early next year. The church building will also be refurbished as part of the project.
“This marks a significant milestone in a journey that has spanned more than three decades,” Paul Harrington, Senior Pastor at the Trinity Network, wrote when announcing the council’s decision.
The housing and parking project along with the church refurbishment will make the site more versatile than ever, Harrington said. “All complemented by integrated landscaping that will aesthetically unite the entire development! This marks a significant milestone in a journey that has spanned more than three decades.”
But Trinity Church Adelaide’s history goes back way further than that. It was established in 1836 as the pioneer church for the new colony of South Australia, and is closely associated with the early history of the state.
The first Anglican priest, the Rev’d Charles Howard, an Irishman from the Diocese of Chester, brought a prefabricated church building funded by the South Australian Church Society, but it was damaged on the voyage and Howard had to use temporary facilities for some time.
The foundation stone of the permanent building was laid by Capt. John Hindmarsh, South Australia’s first governor, on 26 January 1838.
“While we still have a few hurdles to clear before construction can officially kick off, this approval is a major milestone that paves the way for further progress into this exciting new chapter. Currently, we’re anticipating that construction will commence in the first quarter of 2026. In the months ahead, we will continue to provide updates and communicate further details as they become available,” Harrington wrote.
“Can I ask you to join me in continuing to pray for the Trinity Church Adelaide staff, congregations and everyone involved in this exciting project? And together, let’s keep praising God for this opportunity for gospel growth, not just for Trinity Church Adelaide but for the entire Trinity Network, and even beyond.”
