- Published:
- Tuesday 25 July 2023
Every Victorian deserves a safe place to live – and the Andrews Labor Government is continuing to deliver new homes for those who need them most.
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the Harvest Square development in Brunswick West which is boosting social housing on the site by 45 per cent.
The $86 million development – a partnership between Homes Victoria, AVJennings and Women’s Housing Limited – will see 82 no longer fit-for-purpose dwellings replaced with 119 new world-class social housing homes.
These new one, two and three- bedroom homes are modern and energy efficient, meaning renters will be warm in winter and cool in summer, while saving on their power bills.
In addition, there will be 79 market homes at the site, adding much-needed growth in Melbourne’s housing supply while creating a well-integrated community located close to, public transport, schools, retail and jobs.
Supporting more than 770 jobs during construction, the development includes publicly accessible open and green spaces, with easy access to community facilities forming a key part of the design. With the site now ‘topped out’, progress is well underway and due for completion next year.
The project is being delivered alongside the Andrews Labor Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build which since launching has seen more than 7,600 homes completed or get underway.
As part of the Big Housing Build and other programs, we’ve invested more than $200 million across Merri-bek to deliver more than 800 new homes. We are on track to deliver more than 12,000 much-needed new social and affordable homes across Victoria and create more than 40,000 jobs in construction as part of the Big Housing Build.
In regional Victoria at least $1.25 billion is being invested to ensure the benefits of the Big Housing Build are spread right across the state. We’ll invest a further $1 billion as part of the new Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1300 additional new homes.
The new homes will include a mix of social and affordable housing – and we’ll work with councils, regional partnerships and local communities to determine the right mix of stock and locations for each region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
“Our record investment in social and affordable housing is providing a roof over the head of vulnerable Victorians while also creating thousands of local jobs.”
“Housing is the biggest issue in Victoria right and we know there is nothing more important than safe and secure housing – and that is what we’re delivering right here in Brunswick West.”
Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone
“This project will deliver more than 100 local households in the City of Merri-bek the modern and safe homes they need and deserve.”