Neglect to New Life to Provide Hope - Teen Challenge Tasmania Building Update

Due to the incredible generosity of many individuals, families, churches and organisations, Teen Challenge Tasmania were able to purchase our new home at 90 St John Street, Launceston as a combination of cash and loans in August 2020. The funds raised not only allowed for the purchase but was also sufficient to dedicate to the development of downstairs for our social enterprise, Hope Costumes & Thrift Store and the restoration of the upstairs level of the property.

The property was built and opened by the Launceston Gas Company in 1940, to accommodate offices, showrooms and a demonstration area upstairs. It was sold in 1982 and has had several uses since then including a time as Medibank & Medicare and more recently as the Emporium.

Many areas including upstairs had been left vacant and unused, which in time had led to deterioration and damage sustained. Our vision was to ensure a permanent home for our offices, programs and social enterprise within the heart of Launceston’s CBD. Thus allowing us to build our base and increase the ministry outreach to more within our community.

With the help of many including Mobile Mission Maintenance, CTM Solutions, Tony Peters, Stephen Mackrell and many more wew are nearing completion of our first stage of restoration and development. The showroom floor has been modernised with new shop fittings and displays section by section, with more changes in the near future to expand the showroom to include Costume hire and a Cafe.

Offices are undergoing rejuvenations including the building of the Arrowsmith program room which enabled this program to commence in February. The staff kitchen/lunch room has been completely renovated and now due to the generosity of a grant from the Community Support Levy allowed us to purchase and install a new Washing machine & dryer to support the Thrift Store and young people learning in that space.

Upstairs we have focused on restoring this space to its former glory with modern touches. We have connected with Heritage Tasmania and worked to bring the historic value of the space alive once again in a practical, functional and yet beautiful way. There was significant water ingress damage to ceilings and flooring which has now been rectified.

The upstairs bathrooms have been renovated and the whole space has been rewired to current specs. Lighting has been a focus and add just the right touch to the spaces. The Theatrette has now been lovingly restored with the original 43 shairs about to undergo restorative reupholstering. For a little more on this and for an opportunity for your family or business to be part of this aspect see our article on the “Sponsor a Seat” project.

A modern kitchenette has been installed upstairs to service the space. Our intention is for upstairs to be used for our own programs, however also allow a very convenient, central space for corporates and organisations to hire which in turn will return funds back into the youth work in this building.

We held a Dedication Day for the building in October and will soon be announcing the Grand Opening Day which we would love you to join us to explore the building, its history and the future of Teen Challenge Tasmania, Youth projects and more. Watch this space for your invitation soon.

For every single person that has been a part of this journey thus far we thank you so very much for believing in us, praying for and supporting this vision. To hear the laughter and voices of young people in the additional programs here is such a joy and know that you have brought that to fruition with far more to come.

I’m going to tease you with just some photos along the journey so far as I don’t want to spoil the surprise when you see the finished product.