With options for international travel still limited, there’s no better time to look to our own backyard to satisfy itchy feet.
South Australia has been a leader in keeping COVID-19 under control in recent months. While there’s still a need to remain cautious, its capital Adelaide offers the chance to see the sights and stay safe as we continue to emerge from restrictions.
U City Adelaide, in the heart of the CBD, is the perfect base to explore the City of Churches. Its 18 purpose-built Accessible Serviced Apartments are specially designed to make your visit as convenient and independent as possible. Each of the 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments are fitted with different accessible features designed for low-, medium- and high-physical support, so guests can select the one most suitable to their needs.
Guest Robert De Pasquale is about to come back for his fifth stay at the brand new 20-storey building.
‘I found out about U City through my Support Coordinator,’ he says. ‘I initially came for a two-week stay and fell in love with it. I’ve now visited four times and my next will be for a month.
‘The facilities are all fully accessible. I can arrange food delivery, manage my own laundry, do the dishes… and the bathrooms are amazing.’
Within the U City Adelaide apartments you’ll find a range of purpose-built features such as wheel-under hot plates and kitchen sink, motorised doors and blinds, lifter tracks and functional beds, height-adjustable en suite basins and kitchen benches, wide doors and passages, and step-free thresholds and shower cubicles.
Apartments are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art assistive technology, allowing guests to control elements from their smart device, and to contact Concierge from wherever they are in the apartment. Built-in cameras also allow people to see visitors at the entrance and remotely grant access to the building.
‘One of the best parts has been using my iPad to tap into the assistive technology,’ Robert says. ‘It’s made it so easy to manage things like the air conditioning, lights and blinds.’
Just down the street from U City Adelaide is the renowned Adelaide Central Market, one of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Dining options are available in every direction, from the revitalised Leigh and Peel Street laneways to the delectable cuisines of Gouger Street.
A range of public transport options nearby will allow you to explore further afield. Adelaide’s central shopping precinct, Rundle Mall, is just a few tram stops from U City, and just beyond that along North Terrace are the Art Gallery, SA Museum and picturesque Botanic Gardens.
‘I enjoyed heading out and about most days to places like the Central Market to do my shopping or to Luigi Delicatessen downstairs,’ Robert says. ‘I found I was much more active than usual.’
Not only is it home to stunning coastline, inviting wine and hills regions, and a jam-packed arts and culture calendar, Adelaide is also leading the way in access and inclusion. In 2019, the City of Adelaide endorsed its Access and Inclusion Plan, making clear its commitment to making the city a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
Similarly, U City Adelaide has been developed with accessibility the priority for the building’s design.
‘As a wheelchair user, it’s been great to stay in a part of the city that’s pretty flat,’ says Robert. ‘It’s been the ideal location for getting out, especially at night – and having Concierge staff around 24/7 has helped my confidence and sense of security.’
U City Adelaide also offers Specialist Disability Accommodation and a newly-accredited Changing Places facility – a best-practice bathroom including a hoist and other customised features to provide dignified and purpose-built toileting and showering facilities, and the only 24/7 Changing Places in the Adelaide CBD.
If Adelaide is on the list for your next travel experience, consider a stay at the U City Accessible Serviced Apartments on Franklin Street. Find out more at ucity.com.au or call 1800 247 365.
