The GAP – Grove Accommodation Project
The Grove Accommodation Project (GAP)
Our Goal
Tableland Community Link (TCL) is developing safe, suitable and accessible accommodation for people with disability, people experiencing mental illness, and other community members who are unable to access appropriate housing.
The development will be located on TCL-owned land at 13 & 15 Grove Street, Atherton, forming a staged, masterplanned residential precinct designed to promote independence, stability and community inclusion.
The full project will deliver 22 units over three stages.
The project will deliver a total of 22 units over three stages:
- Stage 1 – 4 units
- 2 x 2-bedroom units
- 2 x 1-bedroom units
- Stage 2 – 6 units
- 3 x 2-bedroom units
- 3 x 1-bedroom units
- Stage 3 – 12 units
- 2 x 2-bedroom units
- 10 x 1-bedroom units
Why This Project Is Needed
TCL identified a significant and ongoing shortage of appropriate accommodation options for people with disability within the Tablelands region.
Many individuals currently living in community or public housing are either in temporary arrangements or highly unsuitable housing, which can contribute to increased anxiety, behavioural escalation, tenancy instability, and a higher risk of homelessness or service breakdown.
These challenges were consistently raised through community feedback, service experience, and internal committee discussions. It became clear that TCL needed to be part of the solution.
The Grove Accommodation Project (GAP) was developed in response to this gap in the local housing system.
Project Overview and Design Approach
Following commencement of planning, TCL acquired an adjoining block, enabling the development of a 22-unit masterplanned residential precinct.
The overall design approach seeks to balance accessibility, practicality, and diversity of need across a mixed residential model. The intent is to accommodate people with varying support requirements, including those:
- With intellectual or psychosocial disability
- With physical disability and mobility needs
- Requiring supported accommodation or an on-site carer
- Who may not have a physical disability but are experiencing vulnerability or housing instability
Accessibility and Design Standards
The Stage 1 development includes a mix of accessibility standards:
- The first two x 2-bedroom units will be built to Liveable Housing Australia (LHA) Gold standard
- The next three x 2-bedroom units will be built to LHA Silver standard
Due to the natural fall of the land, full compliance with higher accessibility standards across all dwellings was not feasible; however, all units have been designed to achieve the highest level of accessibility possible within site constraints.
The 2-bedroom units are also designed to accommodate a full-time carer where required, supporting higher needs participants to live safely within the community.
Design Collaboration
The concept design has been developed in collaboration with GGI Architect Greg Gould, who has worked closely with TCL to maximise the usability of the site and ensure the development meets a wide range of client needs while maintaining a practical and deliverable footprint.
The Broader Vision
The GAP represents a long-term commitment to improving housing outcomes for vulnerable people in the Tablelands.
By providing appropriate, stable accommodation, the project will:
- Increase independence and choice for people with disability
- Reduce reliance on unsuitable emergency or temporary housing
- Ease pressure on public and community housing systems
- Support transitions out of hospital and aged care where housing is the primary barrier
- Strengthen local community inclusion and participation
The development is not only about housing supply—it is about creating stability, dignity, and opportunity for people who are often excluded from mainstream housing options.
A Community-Led Solution
The Grove Accommodation Project has been developed in direct response to local need, informed by frontline service delivery and lived experience within the community.
It reflects TCL’s long-standing commitment to practical, place-based solutions that strengthen both individual outcomes and the broader social infrastructure of the Tablelands region.
The Gap will be facilitated by our service but run independently to negate conflict of interest.
Since the roll out of NDIS in this region from July 2018. Our client base has increased from approx. 26 clients to 160 + clients. With the subsequent job growth, it’s evident that The GAP will be a huge asset to the community.
Statics show that up to 92% of disability funding remains in the local community where the participants live.
Breakdown of Expected Costs (Stage 1)
Land:
Provided by Tableland Community Link (TCL)
Stage 1 Project Cost Estimate:
Approximately $1.5 million
This estimate includes:
- Council and/or state government authority fees and charges
- Architectural design and documentation
- Town planning and development approvals
- Building certification and compliance costs
- Construction of 4 dwellings (2 x 2-bedroom and 2 x 1-bedroom units)
- Site works and essential infrastructure required for delivery
Project Timing
Stage 1 is construction-ready pending final funding confirmation.
The project is positioned for immediate commencement once remaining funding is secured, with works to proceed as part of a staged delivery program across the broader 22-unit masterplan.
If you would like more information about this project, or can contribute to bring it to life, please contact manager@tclink.org.au