New foyer locked in for Moreton Bay

Above: Early render provided by the State Government of the proposed Redcliffe Youth Foyer

Redcliffe will be home to Moreton Bay's new youth foyer, providing 24/7 support for vulnerable young people.

The site, described as “close to public transport, services, employment opportunities and TAFE”, was bought by the State Government this year.

Brisbane architect Arkhefield will design the 40-apartment foyer for 16-25-year-olds, at risk of or experiencing homelessness, in work, study or training.

Tenants are required to pay about 25 per cent of their income in rent, while they complete education, training or work.

This is one of the eight youth foyers the State Government will deliver as part of its long-term housing plan.

Redcliffe is in the early design stage, with preliminary designs anticipated to be ready by the end of this year.

Plans put forward last year for foyers in Mango Hill, by the YMCA on Halpine Dr and Caboolture, beside the TAFE are now off the table.

“Youth foyers change lives,” Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said.

“They give young people who are earning or learning the stable foundation they need to build whatever life they aspire to live.

“I’m determined to give more young people across our state opportunities a youth foyer creates - a safe place to call home and a pathway to build a better future.”

State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley said the youth foyer will give young people who’ve done it tough "a safe place to live and support to build their independence".

“Our providers of youth residential care have been stretched beyond capacity and that is now changing under the State Government,” she said.

Mayor Peter Flannery says it's critical young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness access "wraparound support to get them off the streets".

“A safe and secure place to stay, in a 24/7 supportive housing environment, gives them the opportunity to complete education, get into the workforce and find a place to call home," he said.

“Council is committed to achieving an end to homelessness.”

Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6) says the foyer will be an addition to the region's new $6.7 million Peninsula Support Hub for homelessness services and base for The Breakfast Club and The Salvation Army.

“It’s great to see specialist homelessness support being delivered on the Peninsula, and we look forward to the opening of the new Youth Foyer,” Cr Winchester said.