William Davis
A section of a council depot in Brisbane’s north will be transformed into community housing for women following an increase in those seeking refuge from domestic violence.
Sixteen freestanding homes will be built on about 3000 square metres at 39 Jennings Street in Zillmere.
The land backs directly onto O’Callaghan Park, and is near several schools.
Not-for-profit Housing4Change, which has not previously developed housing, bought the unused land in May.
“With women, there is a [growing need for] access to housing services and homelessness services, and that’s largely because of domestic and family violence,” chair Kirsty Rourke told this masthead.
“We’re really excited about this project because I’ve been looking for the land for over 12 months.
“We had a deal initially with a developer that fell over, and it has been really challenging to compete against developers … so this is a bit of a miracle, to be honest.”
The organisation is planning to use modular homes that come largely pre-built and delivered on trucks.
It will offer subsidised housing to women in need, potentially in collaboration with Micah Projects.
Rourke said the organisation hoped the homes would be completed by May 2027.
She added the price paid for the land was subject to a confidentiality agreement.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said on Tuesday the council was covering all survey and development application costs for the subdivision.
The depot’s remaining 13,600 square metres would continue to be used by Brisbane City Council, including for sandbag collections.
“The only way to help more people get into a home is to increase housing supply, and that’s why we’re taking practical action to help support more homes sooner,” Schrinner said in a statement.
“We’re proud to … unlock surplus land and fast-track planning so more residents can access stable accommodation sooner.”
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