- Published:
- Thursday 1 February 2018
The Andrews Labor Government will push forward with the revitalisation of the Markham public housing estate – delivering modern, more accessible social housing and unlocking opportunities for first homebuyers.
Minister for Housing Martin Foley said it was a red-letter day for the local community and delivered on a key election commitment to rebuild the estate, grow public housing stock and respond to community concerns.
The redevelopment will see the rundown, neglected, 1950s-era buildings replaced with 200 units made up of a range of public, affordable and social housing.
Approximately one third of the new homes will be for social housing, one third for affordable housing and the final third for private housing.
First home buyers will be given priority access to the affordable homes available.
Twenty of the affordable homes will also be available through a government shared equity scheme, with eligible first home buyers being able to receive assistance from the Victorian Government to purchase a property.
Six of the public units on the estate will be fully accessible, and will provide for people with a range of mobility needs and requirements. All homes on the estate must meet the Better Apartments Design Standards.
Other changes implemented in the plan include integrating social housing units throughout the estate, reducing the height limit from seven stories to between two to four stories across the entire site, and reduced density.
This approach will create a diverse range of housing choices, with a mixture of social and private homes – while residents will have access to open space, pedestrian and cycling networks, public transport and an activity centre.
Matthew Guy’s Coalition and the Greens political party blocked this Markham Estate redevelopment – leaving vulnerable Victorians in need of public housing with nowhere to go.
The Markham redevelopment builds on the Labor Government’s $2.1 billion Homes for Victorians initiative and $185 million Public Housing Renewal Project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Martin Foley
“We know many Victorians are struggling with high housing costs and more people are relying on social housing for support – that’s why we have to build more social and affordable units.”
“The Markham redevelopment is what the community needs – and we’re getting it done, just like we promised.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“Extensive consultation has been undertaken to get the design, character and facilities of this project right for the community.”