New proposal to provide safety and support for women

(From left) Dan Devine and Hugh Maguire from Maguire Devine Architects joined Vinnies State President Corey McGrath, Vinnies CEO Heather Kent and Amelie Housing CEO Graham West

The St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) is partnering with Amélie Housing to lodge a planning application with the City of Hobart for the construction of 38 studio apartments to house disadvantaged older women in the community.

Designed by Hobart practice Maguire + Devine Architects, the development would sit above the existing furniture warehouse, utilising the existing driveway from Church Street.

The first cohort of residents is expected to be women over 55 as Vinnies recognises this as a growing demographic in desperate need of assistance.

This significant $16.7 million project is being delivered in partnership by Amelie Housing and Vinnies, supported by Homes Tasmania through the federal government’s Social Housing Accelerator program.

Under an agreement with Homes Tasmania, tenants will be accommodated and supported under a tenancy agreement with Amélie Housing, a national community housing provider and designated Special Work of the Society, dedicated to providing secure and comfortable housing solutions.

The residential development will consist of four levels revolving around a vertical garden with each studio containing its own kitchen, bathroom and private balcony, ensuring comfort and privacy for all residents.

The core values incorporated into the design are dignity, safety, wellbeing and community.

Chief Executive Officer Heather Kent said the good works in this project aligned with Vinnies’ commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves 

“By making additional enhancements to our current site, we are not only addressing the housing needs of older women but also fostering a sense of community and support,” she said.

“The number of women over 55 at risk of or experiencing homelessness is increasing at a drastic pace due to domestic breakdowns and mounting cost-of-living pressures. 

“This development is about creating a safe haven where these women can find not only shelter but also the support they desperately need 

“We are working with council, neighbours and stakeholders on the development application process and look forward to progressing this important development for disadvantaged women in Hobart.”

Design statement from Maguire + Devine Architects

"The building is designed like a village, with communal green space on the rooftop where residents can enjoy open space, sunlight and views. The lower floors are the neighbourhoods, with the front doors of each studio apartment gathered around a semi enclosed vertical rainforest. On the outside, each studio opens to a private balcony for fresh air, sunshine and views.

Varying tones of light red ochre colour the durable concrete exterior of the building. The warm, nurturing colour references the heritage red roofs and brick walls of the North Hobart.

The understated exterior of the building forms a calm, ordered backdrop to the intensity of Argyle Street’s commercial aesthetic."