The master plan for the former Wellington Point Botanix site aims to be an iconic Redlands destination while offering more housing choices for the community.
The site was closed to the public for almost 15 years and is set to be revitalised by Redland developer Fiteni.
A recent master plan shows the reimagined Botanix site as a new residential neighbourhood that offers a range of contemporary homes, reflects the easy and relaxed lifestyle of Redlands and provides a place that supports the local business and arts community.
Fiteni housing development manager Vaughn Bowden said the company aimed to support housing diversity by offering a variety of housing including terraces and apartments.
“We often hear people say that Redlands is full of detached homes, but people fail to realise that housing isn’t a matter of one size fits all. When people first buy a homes, when they age or their circumstances change, they often seek out something other than a detached home” he said.
“We don’t see a healthy mix of housing options in the Redlands.”
Mr Bowden said the aim of the master plan for Botanix was to provide improved housing choice and diversity in line with community needs and expectations.
“These housing options are ideal for people who want to downsize but are unable to find what they want,” he said.
“[The] majority of housing will be terraces and townhomes which are double story, have a smaller footprint and smaller yards but still give you benefits and access to the amenities,” Mr Bowden said.
He said communal facilities would include a pool, gym and barbecues.
“Your life is ultimately orientated to the amenities and the great space,” he said.
Mr Bowden said Fiteni took a unique planning process driven entirely by the Redlands community and their needs through multiple surveys and events.
“Fiteni has been doing this for nearly half a century and we want to make sure that for all the projects we deliver, we leave community assets that create value for the community,” he said.
The previous surveys were promoted to all Redlands suburbs and revealed that 60 per cent of respondents said there was not enough housing diversity on their street.
Mr Bowden said almost one in three respondents said they were wanting something other than a detached house.
“Our surveys helped us understand the values of the Redlands and gave us the principles to build our master plan,” he said.
“The results told us that the community wanted outdoor living, beautiful streets, coffee shops and somewhere with vibrance and energy.”
The master plan shows the common area is set to bring these vitality elements with plans for live performances, cafes, restaurants and an opportunity for health and wellness services.
“We love the idea of bringing culture into the public space as the Redlands does not have that many public spaces for bands and performers to showcase themselves,” Mr Bowden said.
As well as the opportunity for live entertainment, the main gathering space will be enhanced by the adaptive reuse of the iconic Botanix steel structure.
“People were attached to the Botanix structure, so it was a great opportunity to create a new public space,” he said.
The master plan also includes a new roundabout, parks, cycling paths and an immersive walking trail to catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Mr Bowden said there was a level of anticipation and excitement around greater housing choices and an opportunity for something new to happen in the Redlands.
Fiteni has opened an online survey and encourages the community to get involved.
For more information about the Botanix plan, visit getinvolved.fiteni.co.
