Cedar Woods answers demand for speciality disability accommodation
Published in the Australian Institute of Health’s latest People With Disability in Australia Report, currently over 4 million people have a disability in Australia – or 18 per cent of the nation’s total population.
An approximate cohort of 30,000 participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are expected to receive funding for Specialty Disability Accommodation (SDA) by 2025.
Most of the current and potential residents requiring SDA are under the age of 45. According to Summer Foundation, there are currently over 4,000 young Australians with complex care needs who live in inappropriate housing and there is a gap of 10,500 places across Australia that exists on the basis of current supply.
ASX-listed developer specialising in master planned community developments in Australia’s growth corridors, Cedar Woods, is an early entrant into the SDA sector and is passionate about helping young Australians in need receive appropriate housing.
“From a developer’s perspective, it can be difficult to navigate the regulations in this relatively new sector of social infrastructure – it is much easier to stick to conventional apartment models,” says Cedar Woods Chief Operating Officer Patrick Archer.
“We know our business model suits the requirements for SDA. We see it as an opportunity to enhance our master-planned community apartment buildings, providing a much-needed social benefit for Australians requiring independent supported living.”
Cedar Woods has now completed two SDA apartment developments, the first in 2021 on behalf of Summer Housing located in the Huntington Apartments complex, featuring ten SDA units within its Jackson Green development in Clayton South. The second was completed in 2022 on behalf of Guardian Living and comprised 9 SDA units within Lincoln Apartments at Williams Landing in Melbourne’s west.
“Every Cedar Woods development centres around establishing connected, communities, located in proximity to plenty of amenity, transport and green space. It is a privilege to deliver these homes and play a small part in helping young Australians with disabilities to live independently and we are well placed to do so,” says Archer.
According to Summer Housing, a well-designed home in the right location can allow for more independent living arrangements, increased community connection and access to informal supports.
“The specialist accommodation in Huntington Apartments will change the lives of ten people with disability – as well as their families, and friends. The residences allow individuals to maintain their independence and live in a safe, secure, and high-quality home while staying connected with their community and loved ones,” says Summer Housing’s interim CEO, Adrian Harrington.
Delivered to the SDA Design Standard by leading Australian architect DKO, Huntington & Lincoln’s SDA apartments have been carefully designed to achieve Platinum-level certification under the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines and meet high physical support design requirements under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The modifications undertaken include making the apartments wheelchair-friendly with revisions in kitchen design, doorway widths and thresholds and structural provisions put in place for ceiling hoists. The homes also feature assistive technology which will support the residents in their daily lives.
Both Lincoln and Huntington Apartments benefit from communal amenities, including a rooftop garden with BBQ facilities and a gymnasium for residents to use. Additionally, the SDA residences are uniquely positioned within the heart of the community, benefitting from direct access to surrounding retail and lifestyle outlets – including shopping and medical centres, train stations and cafes and restaurants.
“Guardian Living is proud to be working with such a reputable and respected industry leader in Cedar Woods. Delivering best practice SDA and universally designed accessible housing is only possible through strong collaborations with quality individuals and organisations,” says Justin Nix, CEO of Guardian Living.
“Delivering the Lincoln SDA Apartments within the Williams Landing master-planned precinct was a great experience and a perfect example of what can be achieved through quality partnerships.”
“We are passionate about providing housing for all communities across Australia, including all people with disability, says Archer.
“Our recent partnerships with Summer Housing and Guardian Living for SDA accommodation in Huntington and Lincoln are two of the first projects we aim to deliver for more long-term and sustainable disability accommodation in our community developments over the coming years,” says Archer.
Tenancy applications are now open for the Summer Housing residences at Huntington Apartments and Guardian Living’s residences at Lincoln Williams Landing Vic through Housing Hub.
Learn more about the partnership between Cedar Woods and Summer House here