First Nations group reveals its affordable housing development debut
LOS ANGELES: A leading First Nations health care provider has unveiled plans for a $44.6 million social and affordable housing development in Brisbane’s inner south.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS Brisbane) has submitted plans for a 10-storey residential tower at 55 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba, and 2 and 6 Crown Street, South Brisbane.
The plans show the development would deliver 60 apartments across the 3071sq m site 2km south of the Brisbane CBD.
“The development aims to provide stable housing to support the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations,” the application said.
The project is ATSICHS Brisbane’s first foray into property development after 50 years of providing health care and community services.
The organization would contribute $2.7 million to the development, with additional funding secured through a $16 million Quickstarts Queensland grant and the Housing Australia Future Fund.
The tower would integrate the existing ATSICHS Brisbane healthcare building.
The proposal includes 38 one-, 16 two- and six-bedroom homes with three bedrooms distributed among 34 condominium apartments and 26 affordable homes.
There would be 52 new parking spaces and 17 existing parking spaces would be retained.
The developer said the site selection benefits from its position close to retail, education, community and health facilities, as well as high-frequency public transport options.
Its proximity to the Mater’s hospital precinct “ensures that future residents will have convenient access to essential healthcare services” 200 meters away.
Designed by Betts+Partners, the tower features a podium and tower form with integrated First Nations artwork.
Resident amenities include a common hub space and a common roof garden.
Sustainability initiatives include naturally ventilated apartments, rainwater harvesting systems, drought-resistant landscaping and rooftop solar panels.
The development application is being processed through a ministerial infrastructure designation under the Planning Act 2016, which covers the Brisbane City Council and Woolloongabba Priority Development Area jurisdictions.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early to mid-2025, with RPS leading the planning process and ATSICHS Brisbane general manager, Dylan Nelson, overseeing the project.
Key stakeholders include Brisbane City Council, Economic Development Queensland, government representatives and traditional owners from the Turrbal and Jagera People.
Also on the south side of River City, Betts+Partners has partnered with builder-developer Michael Emanuele’s Zen Group on a two-tower 202-apartment project at 24 Duncan Street in Brisbane’s West End.
This project is being undertaken by what Emanuele calls “a high-quality design team to help realize his ambition to create a vibrant lifestyle community” on the former industrial site.
