Uniting Communities is pleased to announce its partnership with award-winning South Australian hospitality group, Blanco Horner Hospitality Management (Blanco Horner), to provide catering services in the new U City Function Centre opening in mid-2019.

The two leading South Australian organisations – with a history of more than 155 years between them – will join forces as part of Uniting Communities’ innovative $100 million U City development in the CBD. The Function Centre will offer patrons an adaptable, light-filled space to host a variety of events in the heart of the city.

‘We’re excited to team up with another local organisation as committed as we are to doing right by the community and the environment,’ says Uniting Communities’ Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel.

‘Partnering with like-minded South Australian companies like Blanco Horner will add great depth to U City’s “vertical village”, and support the exceptional service and experience we hope to deliver in this one-of-a-kind community.’

Located on the corner of Franklin and Pitt Streets in the city, the Function Centre will accommodate up to 250 people for a theatre-style event. The Centre offers a dedicated pre-function space, and the flexibility to divide the space into three separate meeting rooms if needed. Focusing on inclusion and accessibility, the space will be equipped with a hearing loop.

Importantly, profits from events held at the Function Centre will be used to support Uniting Communities’ broad range of social and community services.

With over 40 years’ experience in the local hospitality industry, Blanco Horner are leaders in their field, focusing on quality service and innovative ‘garden-to-plate’ offerings, along with sustainable food practices and a community- and producer-focused business ethic.

‘We feel privileged to be a part of this world-class project and inclusive community,’ says Christopher Horner, Director of Blanco Horner. ‘Not only are we about executing flawless events, but giving back to the community is mutually beneficial and appealing.’

Event guests will experience exclusive modern Australian menus that focus on clean, fresh, sustainable and ethically farmed local produce, as well as a wonderful selection of complementary South Australian wines.

‘We are committed to collaborating with Uniting Communities to deliver an exciting new multi-faceted venue for our community and delivering on their core values.’

Blanco Horner also manages a diverse portfolio including the Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Blanco Catering, The Gardens Cafe & Kiosk, Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo, Café Alere & Function Centre, Flinders Pantry + Cafe and Carrick Hill Cafe & Events.

Sustainability is a key focus for both organisations and for the development, which has been recognised as one of South Australia’s ‘greenest’ building designs by the Green Building Council of Australia.

U City will also offer retirement living, specialist disability accommodation and accessible serviced apartments, as well as commercial, retail and hospitality spaces. The building will house a range of Uniting Communities’ services including Lifeline Adelaide, disability services, personal and family counselling, and youth health programs.

U City is due to open in mid-2019. For more information, visit the U City website.

For further information
Simon Schrapel
Chief Executive, Uniting Communities
0411 643 132

Sophie Liddy
Marketing Manager, Blanco Horner
0402 142 185