PLANS: $15m housing complex for vulnerable youth a step closer

The new complex would accommodate young people aged 16-24 years and it will be built near key services. SEE THE PLANS >>

A NEW $15m inner city housing complex in Hobart for vulnerable young people is moving a step closer.

Housing Minister Michael Ferguson said tenders were being advertised on Saturday to build a new Youth2Independence (Y2I) facility.

He said the Hobart complex would accommodate up to 26 young people aged 16-24 years.

It will be built near TasTAFE, transport and other services.

“Young people transitioning to adulthood coupled with circumstances like family breakdown, trauma and ill health may find themselves disconnected from education, employment, housing and support,” Mr Ferguson said.

“There are also challenges for our youth finding accommodation through population growth which is putting pressure on housing availability.

Y2 hobart - design by LIMINAL architecture. Render by Synthetica. Proposed new accommodation for at risk youth in Hobart.

“Participants in the Youth2Independence program agree to work with their support providers to develop independence in the areas of: education, employment, health and wellbeing, housing and living skills, community participation and social connections.

“In return, these young people enjoy safe, secure, supported and affordable accommodation for up to two years.”

Mr Ferguson said each young person in the facility would have their own self-contained studio space and have access to an onsite manager, shared kitchen, indoor and outdoor recreation and quiet spaces.

“Architects and Communities Tas have worked to ensure the Y2I design is successfully incorporated on site of the current supported accommodation facility,” he said.

“Resident privacy and amenity are priorities and contemporary architectural solutions will ensure the two residential facilities operate independently.”

“The Y2I development is an optimal solution for this inner-city site which was originally designed to provide more residential units.”

Mr Ferguson said there were already three successful Y2I facilities at Trinity House in Hobart, Thyne House, Launceston and Eveline House, Devonport.

Another 25-bed facility is planned for Burnie and a 20-bed expansion of Thyne House is also under way.

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