- Published:
- Saturday 30 November 2019
Public housing tenants in South Melbourne will have a chance to build a neighbourhood they can be proud of thanks to a new program being rolled out by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley joined celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Park Towers public housing estate in South Melbourne today, where they also launched the South Melbourne Community Capacity Building Initiative.
Park Towers was the time the tallest residential block in the southern hemisphere when it was built in 1969. It received international acclaim from architects in the US, Italy, England and Russia.
Since then, Park Towers has provided safe and secure housing for those who need it most, helping Victorians get their lives back on track and reap the opportunities that they deserve.
The South Melbourne Community Capacity Building Initiative is being delivered by the Labor Government in partnership with Star Health. It will allow residents to choose the projects and improvements for their neighbourhood that matter to them.
The initiative will be rolled out at Park Towers and the nearby Emerald Hill Court estate.
Residents have already started to propose projects, such as improved cleaning services, a youth group and a weekly social meal, better mental health support for locals and a redevelopment of the estate playground.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“We’re helping people in South Melbourne build the type of neighbourhood that they deserve.”
“Park Towers has given thousands of people safe, affordable and secure housing – and we’re making it better by letting locals decide what’s important to them.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley
“Park Towers sits at the heart of South Melbourne’s story. It has a rich history of helping those who need it most.”
“We’re working with locals to build better, safer and more welcoming communities that we can all be proud of.”