The YMCA may seem to be an unlikely property developer, but the not-for-profit organisation has lodged an application with Redland City Council to develop vacant land behind their facility in Victoria Point.
The proposed development would consist of 48 two-storey townhouses accommodated in nine buildings.
The YMCA said the area is surplus to their needs and has been vacant since they bought the land from the Redland City Council in the early 1990s.
The organisation stated on the YMCA Victoria Point Facebook page that an advantage of their development of the site is that they are not developers.
“We’re a not-for-profit charity. Any surpluses generated from our activities go back into the community.”
The YMCA said it had identified a need for housing to suit downsizers and young families who cannot afford a standard house block.
“There is also a need for housing that suits first home buyers – in particular, younger workers in professions such as nursing, child care, trades, retail and hospitality – to encourage them to reside and work in their local community.”
Access to the townhouses would be via the current driveway into the YMCA in Link Road.
The driveway would be upgraded and lead to a new security gate that would serve as the entrance into the development.
The YMCA and Indoor Sports Centre would not be significantly impacted by the proposed development and would continue to operate as usual.
The car park of the existing YMCA and Indoor Sports Centre would be upgraded as part of the proposed development.
According to the proposal, this is intended to ensure accessibility to the car park and improved pedestrian connections around the site.
The proposed townhouses would have three bedrooms, a floor area between 110m2 and 130m2, a lock up garage and private open space.
A communal open space will be established at the back of the site.
