Tarragindi Bowls Club and RetireAustralia’s aged care complex approved

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build an aged care facility over a Brisbane bowls club has been approved, but not without major changes to the original design as a result of community complaints.

RetireAustralia’s plans to redevelop Tarragindi Bowls Club to incorporate a seniors living complex has been approved. Pictured is RetireAustralia CEO Alison Quinn Picture: Russell Shakespeare

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build aged care over the Tarragindi Bowls Club has been approved with “substantial” changes following community feedback.

RetireAustralia’s original proposal for a seniors living complex at the bowls club included buildings that ranged from five to seven storeys plus a new clubhouse and cafe, meetings and functions space, upgraded bowls green and community park.

The approved plan lowered the maximum height from five storeys to three storeys where the buildings are next to houses, and five storeys next to Tarragindi Recreation Reserve.

It retains the upgrades to community facilities.

City Planning chairman Councillor Julian Simmonds said the assessment had taken 18 months as officers considered more than 1800 public submissions on the proposal.

“Council reviewed community submissions, with considerable reductions to the height of the buildings enforced on the plans as a result of feedback,” he said.

.

THE APPROVED PLANS

— Height capped at three storeys next to houses, five storeys next to recreation reserve

— New two storey clubhouse

— Upgraded championship 10 lane bowling green

— New cafe and meeting rooms

— Community green space with community garden, bocce court, wellness lawn

.

Holland Park Ward Councillor Krista Adams said “substantial” changes were made to the application during the assessment process and delivered a fair outcome for the community.

“The revised proposal is not a high-density apartment building but a low-medium density complex that provides for over 60s to live in Tarragindi as they age,” she insisted.

Cr Simmonds said the development would provide “critical” retirement facilities for the city’s south and allow residents to stay in their community as they aged.

When it was first proposed, Tarragindi Bowls Club then president John Wandmaker told Quest Community News he did not think the club could survive without the development.

RetireAustralia has been contacted for comment on the approval.

Encouraging aged care to be co-located on sport and recreation land is a key proposal of the council’s Retirement Living and Aged Care Accommodation Incentives.

Tarragindi residents Keith and Liza Wieland opposed the plan due to its height and density. Picture: Jack Tran

Cr Simmonds said the incentives package, which also reduces infrastructure charges and relaxes height limits, was a push to address a shortage of aged care in Brisbane.

“Residents should have the choice to move into aged care accommodation close to their families and friends and this application will address the shortage in accommodation, while offering a financial boost to a grassroots sporting club,” he said.

Tarragindi resident Liza Wieland, a vocal critic of the plan, has been contacted for comment.