GPC has extensive experience in providing due diligence advice and obtaining planning approvals for residential care and retirement facility developments. The firm has a clear understanding of the needs and issues associated with designing for and achieving planning approvals for residential care and retirement facilities.

GPC undertakes projects for not for profit and commercial aged care providers. 

GPC has also provided to local authorities and the Planning Institute of Australia policy advice regarding planning for the ageing population.

GPC obtained an approval for a six storey, 136 bed aged care facility at Benowa to meet a growing need for serviced aged care apartments. The proposal involved a negotiated outcome under an existing preliminary approval with key considerations including building height, setbacks and car parking arrangements. GPC’s collaborative approach with Council and the client ensured the assessment process was delivered in a timely manner.

GPC provided extensive planning advice and the management of the planning approval process to achieve an approval meeting the needs of the client and community. 

Assessing Authority
Gold Coast City Council

Key Issues
> Building height
> Setbacks
> Car parking arrangements

(Image source: www.cofc.com.au/ladysmallhaven/apartments)

Project
GPC obtained an approval for a seven storey aged care home at Boondall to meet a growing need for serviced aged care apartments. The proposal involved complex technical issues associated with flooding, services, ecological values and built form. The approval was achieved in a low density outer suburb of Brisbane on the periphery of the Nudgee College campus.

GPC provided extensive planning advice and the management of the planning approval process to achieve a major approval for the client. 

Assessing Authority
Brisbane City Council
Department of Transport and Main Roads

Key Issues
> Flooding
> Ecology
> Building height

Project
Holy Spirit Care Services manages a major independent living and aged care establishment on a nine hectare site located at Beams Road, Carseldine.

GPC has managed and obtained planning approvals for Holy Spirit Care Service for many years, including updating and refurbishment of their central facilities, construction of a four storey building accommodating independent living units, and building works adjacent to the portion of the site identified as a heritage place.

Assessing Authority
Brisbane City Council
Department of Transport and Main Roads

Key Issues
> Local Heritage
> Building size and bulk
> Traffic

Project
Villa Maria is a State listed heritage place in the heart of Fortitude Valley. The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration supported by Archbishop Duhig were behind the building of the first stage of Villa Maria in 1925. Since the first stage many additional stages have been added.

The recent approval is a major investment to operate the entirety of the building as a residential care facility. The development has resulted in the provision of 125 bedrooms, landscaped courtyards, cafe and consulting rooms. The proposed development also included careful consideration of the aspects of the building that needed to be demolished to allow for the upgrade of the building to current standards and requirements.

The approval process involved complex approvals and careful negotiation with the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage, and Brisbane City Council.

Assessing Authority
Brisbane City Council
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

Key Issues
> Queensland and local heritage

Project
The Downs Street, Redcliffe project has provided much needed modern living units for war widows. The War Widows’ Guild of Australia was formed in 1945 and provides support for all war widows from all conflicts.

The Downs Street, Redcliffe project gained approval for 24 units in a four storey building. The building provides incidental meeting spaces, common recreation and relaxation areas, and a safe and inviting living environment.

GPC managed a successful approval process for the War Widows’ Guild.

Assessing Authority
Moreton Bay Regional Council

Key Issues
> Traffic and parking
> Building design