Villa World builds youth refuge

BUILDER Villa World Homes has revived plans for a refuge for homeless children on the Gold Coast.

The home building division of ASX-listed developer GEO Property Group has stepped into the breach left by the original builder for the project after it went into administration last year.

Not-for-profit organisation the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth (GCPHY), initiated the concept to build a refuge for people aged 12-14.

A construction start will follow final approvals from the Gold Coast City Council on the $500,000 home, located at Dunkirk Close Arundel.

Villa World Homes will donate design and project management on the six-bedroom home to cater for children who are in crisis and in need of temporary accommodation.

Villa World general manager Scott Payten received solid support from the building industry, with numerous companies donating materials, labour and building expertise.

“Almost everyone we have approached has been eager to get involved,” he says.

“Homelessness is such a heartbreaking issue and we want to do what we can to get this refuge opened. It’s an honour to be a part of this very important project.”

GCPHY was founded in 1984 and manages the Gold Coast’s only child refuges – the crisis facility Lawson House at Ashmore and the medium-term Bannister House at Southport.