The Redlands community is growing rapidly, and with this growth comes the need for new housing solutions.
As the population continues to increase, it is essential to consider how we can build a liveable future for our community here on the Redlands Coast.
Building a Liveable Future: Rethinking Housing for the Redlands Community aims to address the housing needs of our community in a sustainable and innovative way.
In this column, we will explore the goals of this initiative and how it will impact the future of our community.
This is what Samantha Hiller, development manager at Fiteni Homes, had to say.
With a housing shortage gripping the nation, we not only have a shortfall in terms of the number of houses available, but we have a mismatch between the type of housing people need and what is available.
Not only is this affecting young families, couples and individuals who struggle to find a house to rent or purchase, but also those who are aging and are unable to find suitable housing in their existing neighbourhoods to downsize.
As a community, government and housing industry, we need to address the shortage of supply and diversity in the homes we are building.
Recognising this challenge, Fiteni undertook community engagement-led research in 2022 and early 2023 titled Redlands Coast, The Future of Home to identify how best to meet the housing needs of the Redlands.
This research uncovered critical insights which challenge an often widely held assumption that residents in the Redlands only want to live in detached homes on large blocks of land.
The research identified more than 60 per cent of participants said there was not enough housing diversity in their neighbourhoods, and 31 per cent expressed a desire for something other than a traditional detached home.
Participants indicated where we should be building new homes, with 41 per cent preferring new homes in established areas by replacing existing homes, 47 per cent in areas with some new development, and only 12 per cent preferring the construction of new homes in new estates.
What was made clear was the need for better designed non-detached homes. Participants want homes that offer indoor-outdoor living, space for entertaining, minimal maintenance, privacy and generous storage.
Two consistent themes emerged from the survey: 96 per cent of participants stressed the significance of location, while 84 per cent emphasized the importance of good design. It is evident that the homes and communities we build today must be adaptable to meet the changing needs of tomorrow.
Using insights from this research, Fiteni is designing homes to better meet the current and future needs of the Redlands Coast. Visit getinvolved.fiteni.co to find out more about Redlands Coast, The Future of Home and Botanix Reimagined
The Redlands community has an opportunity to help shape the future of housing by participating in community consultation which will inform the Redlands Housing Strategy.
Visit haveyoursay.dsdilgp.qld.gov.au to participate.
