A developer wants to build a $9.5 million complex capable of functioning as a medi-hotel just a hop, skip and jump from the QEII Medical Centre.

Developer G Living plans to build a residential and commercial seven-storey complex at 24 Leura Street, Nedlands.

The developer’s “overall intent” is for the proposed building to function as a medi-hotel, but accommodation needs did not have to be health-related for people to stay at the complex.

“Alongside providing specialist disability accommodation and health associated accommodation throughout WA, it is our goal to also accommodate those in nearby medical, education and business precincts,” G Living owner Gianpaolo Crugnale said.

“We will have accommodation that allows self-independence yet also have the ability to provide and access respite and care facilities.”

 

But at a special council meeting held on Tuesday night, City of Nedlands councillors suggested State planners defer a decision on the plans so the development can be altered to be “more in keeping with the bulk, scale and character of the area”, and landscaping and on-site car parking provision improved.

Mr Crugnale said the development was “ideally located” to draw on the support of nearby medical and clinical services, including the QEII Medical Centre.

“We believe there is a need for specialist disability accommodation and affordable housing solutions in the location which support service workers and those with additional needs by being close to medical and health facilities,” he said.

“There is currently limited options outside hospital and health care campuses that provide good and fit-for-purpose solutions.”

Units on levels two and three have been designed to meet specialist disability accommodation requirements and include features such as wider doorways, extra space between benches and in front of appliances for wheelchair access, and extra lighting above work spaces.

The development will also house therapy and staff rooms on both levels two and three to facilitate carers visiting the complex.

Four units on level one will offer accommodation for those that do not meet the National Disability Insurance Scheme standards but need rental assistance in a location close to health and medical services.

The short-term and long-term units — which are either one- or two-bedroom apartments — are planned for the fourth, fifth and sixth floors.

According to applicant Planning Solutions’ report, the short-term units are intended to suit people undertaking or having completed rehabilitation, with four of the apartments “disability compliant”.

The report also said long-term accommodation was proposed to suit people undertaking lengthy rehabilitation and medical stays, or nearby essential medical workers.

“We intend to offer affordable rent options to frontline service workers and those they may not qualify for specialist disability accommodation,” Mr Crugnale said.

 

But at a special council meeting held on Tuesday night, City of Nedlands councillors suggested State planners defer a decision on the plans so the development can be altered to be “more in keeping with the bulk, scale and character of the area”, and landscaping and on-site car parking provision improved.

Mr Crugnale said he believed G Living Pty Ltd had put forward a “sensible and pragmatic” development.

“It is a sensible and much-needed development for the area and will contribute to the expanding health and community needs of the area,” he said.