Redevelopment of a Redcliffe hall to expand support for Moreton Bay’s homeless

Plans for an extensive project to address homelessness in one of the state’s worst-affected regions have been unveiled, with more than 1000 people struggling through Queensland’s housing crisis to benefit.

For 42 years the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall has been a beacon of support for the waterfront community and soon a major overhaul will allow greater support to reach those doing it tough.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has lodged a development application to remove and redevelop the existing community facility and rebuild it as a dedicated homelessness hub in Redcliffe.

Costed at $4.5 million, the new building will create space to accommodate The Breakfast Club — an organisation providing meals to those in need — and a specialist housing and homelessness service provider, along with dining space for 100 people, offices, a large sheltered outdoor community deck and a commercial kitchen and suitable amenities like toilets, showers and carparking.

The proposed tenancies are split across the internal layout, with an area of shared space within the centre of the built form.

ABS Census data from 2011 and 2016 shows a 57.5 per cent increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness within the Moreton Bay Region.

Mayor Peter Flannery said locally, more than 1200 locals were experiencing homelessness, including families and children.

A concept image of the rebuilt and redesigned Redcliffe Pensioners Hall. Picture: Contributed

“The unfortunate reality is that not only do we have one of the highest growth rates in Queensland, it’s substantially higher than our SEQ counterparts and above the statewide average,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Local volunteer groups and council have been calling for a dedicated homelessness hub in Redcliffe for years now, so we’re incredibly grateful for the state government’s funding.

“It couldn’t come at a more important time.

“There is a clear need to provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to obtain immediate assistance, such as meals and access to amenities, as well as connection to support services to help obtain and maintain housing.”

In this year’s Budget the council committed $1.5 million to building a homelessness support hub in Redcliffe with $3 million funding from the state government as part of its southeast Queensland Community Stimulus Program.

The Breakfast Club of Redcliffe provides free community meals throughout the week. Picture: Contributed

Currently The Breakfast Club of Redcliffe charity operates out of the hall, providing free community meals, mobile support for the homeless, small emergency food parcels, supplies for rough sleepers, phone charging, and information about meals and services.

Mr Flannery also said he was pleased to see Brisbane Housing Company, with the State Government’s Housing Investment Fund‘s support, was investing in social housing in Redcliffe.

“The 84 single bedroom apartments planned as part of the Redcliffe Social Housing Project in Sutton Street will improve the lives of older people in the area.

“While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, more is needed across our region.”