BlueCHP officially broke ground in July on our first Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project in Victoria. This exciting milestone will see a number of NDIS Participants soon receive a new specialist ‘forever home’ built to meet their needs.
In the heart of Mentone, approximately 30 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, this flagship development is more than a construction project. It is the start of a new chapter in BlueCHP’s mission to deliver purpose-built SDA homes across eastern Australia that empower people with disability to live independently, safely, and with dignity.
On Tuesday 22 July, despite an average cold and rainy Melbourne day, the mood was one of warmth and anticipation as BlueCHP’s Victorian team members gathered on-site in Mentone for a special sod turning to mark the start of construction. Joining them was BlueCHP CEO Charles Northcote, and representatives from project partners, Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider, Bayley House, and construction team, Harnest.
“This project marks an exciting step in our continued expansion into Victoria, built on strong partnerships and collaboration. It reflects our commitment to delivering quality specialist disability homes that put people first.”
–Charles Northcote, BlueCHP Limited CEO
BlueCHP sincerely thank our finance partner, For Purpose Investment Partners, for their ongoing support in making this project possible.
A Thoughtful, Person-Centred Design
The development will feature two self-contained homes within a modern duplex. It will contain a 3-resident Improved Liveability Home and a 2-resident High Physical Support Villa. Each home includes spacious, shared living areas, modern kitchens, and well-equipped laundries. While completely self-contained, the thoughtful design creates a strong sense of community for the future residents, who already know one another. A shared backyard and alfresco area offer opportunities for neighbours to connect and socialise. Individual ensuites and separate OOA (On-site Overnight Support) facilities provide privacy, and the flexibility for seamless support and service delivery.
This development was intentionally designed as an alternative to a group home—supporting residents who want to live together, while moving away from outdated models that no longer meet contemporary expectations for independence and personal space.
Designed With Participants, Not Just For Them
The BlueCHP SDA team engaged participants from the outset through our ‘Guide You Home’ program. Future residents and their support teams took part in an extensive co-design process. While some features were shaped by design standards and functional requirements, many reflect the unique needs and preferences of each participant. The result is a home that thoughtfully supports individual goals, lifestyles, and safety needs.
This outcome is visible throughout both homes. Assistive technology plays a key role, with features such as automated rear sliding doors for easy access and specialised locking systems for added security and peace of mind.
Additional co-design features include:
- A store room to reduce internal clutter and maximise usable space
- A craft desk/nook to support hobbies and creativity
- Spacious bedrooms with larger-than-standard robes to accommodate mobility aids and storage
- Rounded wall finishes to reduce injury risk
- Extra lighting throughout to improve visibility and ambience
- A sizeable laundry suitable for commercial-grade washing machines and dryers
- Height-adjustable benchtops and basins in the HPS villa to support accessibility and independence
SDA in Victoria – Looking Ahead
We built this project on respect, collaboration, and care. Construction is now underway, and BlueCHP looks forward to delivering these tailored homes and welcoming the new residents in 2026.
This is just the beginning of BlueCHP’s SDA work in Victoria, as we continue to build more high-quality specialist disability homes—designed with, and for, the people who will call them home.
