Developer Ryan Allen submits proposal for specialist disability accommodation in Wynnum

Why a developer wants to bring a $6m disability accommodation project to ‘under-appreciated and undervalued’ Brisbane pocket.

A proposal to build a $6m residential tower in an “under-appreciated and undervalued” Brisbane suburb will cap off this young developer’s desire to help people with disabilities across the city.

Ryan Allen from Allen Group Projects has an already successful history in the industry after putting together several big residential developments in Brisbane’s northside over the past decade.

But the 37-year-old said he believed a recent proposal for a specialist disability accommodation project, under the NDIS, in Wynnum would be his best yet.

Artist impression for unit complex development application at 22 Ronald St, Wynnum.

“It’s a big project for me because it’s different from the other developments I have done,” Mr Allen said.

“Instead of just building something that’s just to sell, this is something that will really help people – it’s definitely a feel good type of project.”

The six-storey proposal for 22 Ronald St was submitted on December 3 and includes 16 apartments and 16 carpark spaces.

Artist impression for unit complex development application at 22 Ronald St, Wynnum.

The 809 sqm space also includes four levels of two-bedroom apartments, one for a resident and one for a carer, as well as a 218 sqm communal rooftop area which has been designed as a space for therapy such as physio and more.

Fitted out with wider hallways, bathrooms and other spaces, the project has been specially designed to cater for people with disabilities.

“There’s such a high demand for this sort of project,” Mr Allen said.

“Right now we’re seeing so many people younger than 60 having to live in aged care facilities because these types of spaces aren’t available.

Artist impression for unit complex development application at 22 Ronald St, Wynnum.

“Not only that, our proposal is for a very high-quality building and apartments. I tried to design this for it to be something I would love to live in.”

Mr Allen’s proposal comes after a development boom in Brisbane’s bayside with several other proposals, such as a luxury apartment complex in Manly, recently submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

“Wynnum is just a perfectly situated suburb. It’s close to the city, close to trains and other public transport and close to the water and facilities such as the wading pool, which is important for people who’d live in these apartments,” he said.

“I just think it’s an area that has probably been under-appreciated and undervalued until now. People are starting to think more of a work-life balance, which the bayside is perfect for.”

Artist impression for unit complex development application at 22 Ronald St, Wynnum.

Councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming (ALP) said he supported the project but was concerned about the site cover.

“I am dubious about the developer being allowed to have 50 to 60 per cent site cover compared to the 40 per cent acceptable outcome. This could mean a big bulky building towering over neighbouring properties,” he said.

But Mr Allen said the extra area was required for the building to cater for people with disabilities.

“We need bigger rooms, bigger hallways and that type of thing,” he said.

“Also, it’s a high density residential area which means eight-storeys but I am only going to six so would hope I would be allowed a little compensation for that.”

Mr Allen said once he had approval from the council, he hoped to have the project complete in late 2021.