Thousands of Victorians, many of them vulnerable or disadvantaged, are moving into brand new homes being delivered under the biggest investment in social and affordable housing in Victoria’s history.
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited a newly completed housing development in Bell Street, Heidelberg Heights and met some of the tenants who have recently moved in and are now calling Bell Street home.
Residents have started moving into the $18 million Heidelberg Heights development, delivered as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. There are 42 apartments across the six-storey building, with the homes to be managed by community housing provider Unison.
The mostly two-bedroom apartments will provide safe and secure homes for families with a history of homelessness and complex needs. The homes are modern and energy efficient, meaning renters will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while saving on their power bills.
Supporting more than 160 jobs during construction, the Bell Street site has been designed to fit its surroundings and is well located with easy access to public transport, schools, support services, and employment opportunities.
The Bell Street Project featured in Open House Melbourne at the end of July, showcasing the ‘Collective City’ theme of collective, adaptive and responsive design approaches focused on creating a more equitable, accessible and inclusive city.
Since the Big Housing Build began in late 2020, more than 7,600 homes have been completed or are underway and more than 2,800 households have either moved in or are getting ready to move into brand new homes.
In Banyule alone, $143 million has been invested under the Big Housing Build and other social housing programs to create 330 new homes.
The Labor Government will deliver more than 12,000 new homes and create more than 40,000 jobs through the life the Big Housing Build.
The Government has also created a new $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1,300 homes across regional Victoria. The new homes will include a mix of social and affordable housing, and the Government will work with councils, regional partnerships, and local communities to determine the locations and needs for each region.
Statement As put by Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
“Every Victorian deserves a safe place to call home and this new development provides just that – these homes will allow people to live safely and comfortably.”
“I’ve visited housing sites all over Victoria in recent months and it’s incredible to see all these homes being built and to meet the new tenants who now have a brand new place to live.”
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“It’s exciting to see new housing being built in Heidelberg and wonderful to meet the new tenants now calling our community home.”
