PORT PHILLIP: More homes in Port Melbourne
The State Government says that it is building hundreds of much needed social homes in Port Melbourne.
Acting Minister for Housing and Building Melissa Horne (pictured) visited the Barak Beacon site in Port Melbourne where construction has kicked off on 408 new modern, accessible, energy efficient and sustainable new homes.
This redevelopment will boost social housing on site by 46 per cent – with more than 200 social and affordable homes replacing 89 homes that no longer meet current design standards.
The new homes will be offered to returning residents, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, older women, Aboriginal Victorians, and people with a disability.
Located just 3km from Melbourne’s city centre, close to bus and tram routes, a local primary school and open space, the project will deliver a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes to suit different households including large and growing families.
The project will also deliver 17 Specialist Disability Accommodation homes designed for people with high physical support needs, as well as quality open and landscaped spaces and a multi-purpose community room.
The Labor Government is delivering the project in partnership with not-for-profit Building Communities and funding support from Housing Australia.
The project is being delivered under the innovative Ground Lease Model, where Homes Victoria leases the land to Building Communities to finance, design, build, manage and maintain the new housing at the site for the next 40 years – meaning all land will remain in public ownership.
The development will achieve a 5-star Green Star rating, as well as an average Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating of 7-stars, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing power bills.
The State Government is investing $6.3 billion to deliver more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria – with 10,000 homes already complete or underway.
“More homes mean more opportunity, that’s why we’re getting on with building more affordable, accessible and energy efficient housing in places Victorians need them – close to jobs, transport and services,” Ms Horne said.
Albert Park MLA Nina Taylor said: “We are delivering more homes for people that need them – that are well designed, energy-efficient housing and located near good public transport.”