Premier

Vacant Preston Land Set For New Public Housing

26 October 2016

The Andrews Labor Government today announced a $20 million investment to transform vacant land in Preston into new social housing.

The funding will see 68 public housing properties built as a priority, and new private housing will also be added to help breathe life into the site.

The Labor Government will also consider the potential for aged care to be integrated into the site.

The initial project will deliver a 10 per cent lift in the amount of social housing on state-owned land in Stokes and Penola streets, south of Bell Street, where one of Victoria’s first public housing estates was built in the early 1940s.

At the end of October, the Government will submit its planning application with Darebin City Council to create the new housing on four separate blocks in Stokes Street and Penola Street.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne recently approved a suite of controls covering the St Georges Road corridor to guide future development between Preston and Northcote, including the zone proposed for this project.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“We’re getting on with creating 68 new homes in Preston to meet the demand for affordable social housing.”

“Early next year we will seek a suitable partner to work with us to design and construct the new housing.”

“Construction will commence around mid-2017 so the first new residents can be taking up residence in Stokes Street and Penola Street within 15 months.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Fiona Richardson

“Affordable housing is everyone’s right – it’s why we are getting on with making our community available to all to meet the demand of our increasing population.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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