Units for elderly proposed

Wintringham development would open up 22 places

MORE low-cost housing for vulnerable older people is to be created in Highton.

Not-for-profit organisation Wintringham Housing has proposed a $5 million development, which would be set adjacent to its facility on Cranwell Court.

Wintringham is seeking a permit to add 22 one-bedroom units on the site, within a fourstorey building.

Reaching a maximum height of 13m, the building would have an address of South Valley Rd.

Wintringham Housing chief executive Michael Deschepper said there was a pressing need to create more affordable housing options for people at risk of homelessness in Geelong.

Mr Deschepper cited data that showed 475 DHHS priority housing applicants were seeking a one-bedroom unit in Greater Geelong in 2016. The demand was the highest seen in a local council area in Victoria, above the City of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip.

He said the new development would be integrated with the existing 34-unit complex in Highton.

“Our Geelong-based tenancy and housing support staff are based at this location and will be available to provide services to the (new) residents,” he said.

The organisation manages 70 units across four sites in Geelong, including locations in Belmont and Manifold Heights.

Wintringham received $2.5 million from the State Government in 2016 to develop 10 unused units in central Geelong’s Park St.

The proposed Highton units would contain a kitchen, separate bathroom, lounge area and bedroom.

Highton has emerged as a preferred location for a number of operators looking to cater to the vulnerable and aged care market.

Ryman Healthcare has a $100 million proposal before the Geelong council now, while a $25 million bid by Japara Healthcare was knocked back by councillors last month.