It is no coincidence the Stretton Centre is named after Professor Hugh Stretton — a leading historian, urban theorist and a Rhodes Scholar.
Named in his honour, the Stretton Centre is a focal point for collaboration between researchers, industry and government, with an aim to provide a clear demonstration of how powerful industry can be a driver of sustainable suburban development.
A Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College Oxford, Hugh Stretton went on to become Professor of History at The University of Adelaide. In 2005, the Australian Public Intellectual Network voted him one of the Top 10 Public Intellectuals.
As a historian, economist, thinker and public intellectual Professor Hugh Stretton has influenced thousands of South Australians and Australians and made an exemplary contribution to the civic and intellectual life of South Australia and the nation.
A teacher of Modern History Economics, he has written widely on town planning, housing, economics and social policy and he was the deputy chair of the South Australian Housing Trust for 17 years.
Hugh Stretton one of Australia's most influential social theorists who wanted to leave Australia fairer than he found it.
"We should be doing whatever we can, by old and new means that fit our changing historical conditions, to leave Australia fairer than we found it."
