The Andrews Labor Government is investing $185 million to redevelop public housing properties at sites across metropolitan Melbourne, with an increase of at least 10 per cent in social housing.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley made the announcement at Prahran at one of the estates earmarked for redevelopment and said residents may see contractors undertaking initial site investigations.
Stage one of the redevelopment includes 1100 properties across 9 sites in Brunswick, North Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Clifton Hill, Brighton, Prahran, Hawthorn, Northcote and Ascot Vale.
Most properties to be redeveloped are low-rise, typically rundown and have high maintenance costs. They will be replaced with a mix of apartments and townhouses that meet relevant building and energy efficiency standards.
Plans for each site will be developed with input from residents, community and other stakeholders. Proposed land uses, scale and type of new residences and recreational spaces will also be included.
Consultation will commence early next year to begin the planning process with work to start in early 2018 on many sites.
Current tenants will not relocate for some time and every effort will be made to minimise any disruption. Tenants will also have first option to return to the estate once work has completed.
In addition, the first 52 vacant parcels of land have been identified as part of the $60 million program to increase the number of social housing properties on land currently owned by the Director of Housing.
These 52 parcels of land are expected to create almost 100 homes.
The program will initially work in partnership with registered housing associations and private sector builders across 13 suburbs in the Western corridor. Expressions of Interest will close mid-February 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“A community of good people has been condemned to live in properties built in the 60s that are, at best, rundown. This investment will enable us to build properties that are better suited to their needs.”
“For the last two years we’ve been putting people first – by restoring the previous Liberal Government’s cuts to housing and ensuring we have the most targeted support for people in need.”
“This program of renewal will improve conditions for tenants, provide more housing and help shape a vibrant new future for residents and the broader community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020