Two mixed residential and commercial developments proposed for Sunshine will go beyond requirements for disabled access, with apartments designed especially for people with disabilities.
The developments, in Hampshire Road and Sun Crescent, are awaiting consideration by Brimbank council.
Architects Joe M Drafting’s proposed 32-unit and office complex at 254 Hampshire Road includes one one-bedroom apartment fitted with grab rails, wider doorways, pulldown drawers and other easy-access features.
Herniman Group’s planned $9.5 million development in Sun Crescent includes two two-bedroom apartments with similar features.
The Australian building code has specific requirements for disabled access to new buildings, including lifts, stairs, ramps, toilets and corridors in office blocks, shops, hotels, motels and the general areas of apartment buildings.
But while disability access has been part of the code since 1990, the focus has been on commercial and public buildings.
In 2010, the federal government, the housing industry and community leaders agreed to a voluntary change in housing practices with the aim of providing minimum access features by 2020.
A council spokesman said developers were encouraged to go beyond the minimum standards set out in the building code.
