New social housing planned for North Hobart to cater for older women

New social housing to help women over the age of 55 could be built in North Hobart. See the pictures >>

Artist's impression of a social housing building on Argyle St. Image: Maguire + Devine Architects.

New social housing could be built in North Hobart, which could help older women who are struggling to find a home, and provide them with a support network.

At 210-218 Argyle Street a five storey building is planned, with 38 new studio apartments across four levels.

A development application for partial demolition, alterations and communal residence is with the Hobart City Council.

The development is a partnership between St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Tasmania and Amelie Housing.

At the moment the site is home to a Vinnies store, which would remain on the bottom floor in the development project and there would be offices and emergency relief support on the upper floor.

Artist's impression of a social housing building on Argyle St. Image: Maguire + Devine Architects.

“212 Argyle Street will create a community of support with social benefit for residents who are anticipated to be initially women over 55,” the planning report for the project said.

“SVdP Tasmania identified the potential for this Argyle St site to respond to the growing call for social and affordable housing, complementing its existing Bethlehem House concept which was first established over 50 years ago.”

Each apartment would be 21 sqm and have one single bed.

They would also each have a balcony, accessible from the living space.

There plans include shared indoor and outdoor spaces on the top level, including a common room, a meeting room, a vegie garden and an outdoor play space.

“A lightwell/ vertical garden extends through the centre of the building introducing natural light, ventilation and vegetation views to all floors,” the plan said.

Artist's impression of a social housing building on Argyle St. Image: Maguire + Devine Architects.

Planners said the development would be close to essential services.

“The development is well located, atop SVdP services, within walking distance of the CBD,

close to services and amenity,” the report said.

“Within 400m are public parks, shops and a supermarket. It is near the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Aquatic Centre and government services are only 800m away.

“Nearby Elizabeth Street is the main bus route between Hobart City, Glenorchy and the

Northern Suburbs.

“The new development will assist in revitalising city life and aid liveability through effectively designed inner city housing, purposefully created to offer flexible usage by a range of cohorts over its extensive lifespan,” the report says.

Planners said the development might be too high.

“Some elements of the top level of the development exceeds the permitted building envelope and maximum height of 15m,” the report said.

“When compared to a building that is fully within the permitted building envelope, these minor protrusions are not considered to have a significant impact on the surrounding area.”

The DA will be available for public viewing on the council website until April 19.