A Redan block that has been overgrown and empty for more than 60 years could one day help build a new community.
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An application has been submitted to council to build 10 single-storey two bedroom units at 403 Latrobe Street, Redan, with a focus on supported living for people with a disability.
Planning documents reveal each apartment would include a larger, fully-accessible bedroom, bathroom, and car port for wheelchair access, as well as a second bedroom for a carer or housemate.
The kitchen and open plan dining and living room would also be fully accessible, according to NDIS design standards, and each unit would have a portico outside.
A driveway between two sets of five units would be built, connecting to Ripon Street South.
The project's Kim Tempany said Ballarat was facing a drastic shortage of NDIS-approved accommodation, and this project could be a solution.
"The disability community is one that is pushed back into those corners rather than living an ordinary life in an ordinary community," she said. "It's living their life like every other member of our community in specialist disability housing."
According to the documents submitted to council, this is the first time the block has been developed since 1957 - Ms Tempany said geotechnical investigations had been completed on the site, which detected fill materials but no asbestos.
The documents note the application is "required to be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority and we welcome their review and conditions to assist with ongoing development of the subject site".
Historically, the site was used as a bluestone quarry until 1936.
"I think people were just frightened by what might be, instead of trying to get to the bottom of it," she said. "There's a bus stop out the front, and the supermarket, and it's close to town as well."
If approved, Ms Tempany said she hoped the development would be a "springboard" to build a supportive community.
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"The idea was to have multipurpose accommodation, so if someone chose to live by themselves with support, they can, with a bathroom with hoists and a bedroom for their support," she said.
"The floorplan and designs enable people to choose how they live rather than having to live in a big group home with other people who have high needs - it's not fair that some people, just because they're physically limited, have to go into that model of housing.
"I know there's an absolute desperate need for accommodation for these vulnerable people, and there's just nowhere."
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