Salvation Army plans affordable housing project at Chermside

The Salvation Army is planning to build affordable housing apartments in north Brisbane to help people at risk of homelessness.

An artist impression of the Gympie Rd perspective of 26 units proposed for 1004 Gympie Rd, Chermside. Image: Brisbane City Council pdonline

THE Salvation Army is planning to build affordable housing apartments at Chermside to help people at risk of homelessness.

The organisation has a development application before council for two buildings with a maximum height of three storeys at 1004 Gympie Rd.

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A Salvation Army spokesperson said, “The Chermside Affordable Housing Project will provide 26 two and three bedroom units of affordable exit accommodation for families leaving Salvation Army Crisis Accommodation Services.

The Gympie Rd south perspective of 26 units proposed for 1004 Gympie Rd, Chermside. Image: Brisbane City Council pdonline

“In many regions across Australia there is a serious shortage of affordable properties for those people who are on low incomes, placing them in housing stress or forcing them to live in conditions that are overcrowded or unsuitable and placing them at risk of homelessness.

“Salvos Housing is committed to meeting the housing needs of low-income people requiring secure, affordable housing in ways which develop their resilience.

“The provision of shelter enables people to take part in meaningful activities, pursue education and employment and build relationships.

“The private rental market does not provide access to affordable and appropriate housing for many vulnerable people.”

Twenty-six units are proposed for 1004 Gympie Rd, Chermside. Image: Brisbane City Council pdonline

In documents lodged with council, HPC Urban Design + Planning states The Salvation Army (TSA) will retain ownership and management of the development.

“TSA will continue to provide ongoing support to residents and help them access training and employment options with a view towards moving into private rental and eventually home ownership,” documents state.

“The development provides an important housing option for vulnerable families who are ready to move out of crisis accommodation but are not eligible for government social housing and are not yet ready to enter the private rental market.

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“TSA currently do not offer accommodation services of this nature and have already identified in excess of 50 families who are currently being assisted by TSA that would be potential targets to occupy the development.

“Furthermore, TSA advise that in the previous 12 months they have housed 287 adults and 289 child dependants that would be suited to the proposed affordable housing units, however have been accommodated in other less suitable housing types.”

HPC Urban Design acknowledged the proposed building height and density exceeded the requirements for the low density residential zone, but “the development has a small development footprint (35 per cent) and is appropriately designed and sited to mitigate any perceived amenity impacts from the development to adjoining dwelling houses”.

This image shows the Gympie Rd perspective for the 26-unit complex proposed for 1004 Gympie Rd, Chermside. Source: Brisbane City Council pdonline

“The characteristics of the site are well suited for the proposed development type and form by virtue of its large land area and proximity to major services including Chermside Bus Station, Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre, major health services and metropolitan scale recreational areas.

“In addition, the proposal will contribute to the fulfilment of a critical community and planning need for the provision of high quality affordable housing for families and vulnerable households.”

According to documents before council, the site operated as a motel with 13 accommodation units and a manager’s residence before the Salvation Army acquired the land in 1988.

“From 1988 until recently The Salvation Army has been operating the site as a women’s refuge.

“This land use is consistent with the use definition for multiple dwelling and/or rooming accommodation. The site therefore has an established history of higher density residential uses.”

The proposal consists of two connected buildings and comprises 21 two-bedroom and five 3-bedroom units, private and communal open space areas, landscaping, and 16 car parks beneath the northern building.