Government, Australand and St Hilliers to Rebuild Massive Carlton Public Housing Block

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said a joint venture between Australand Carlton Pty Ltd with St Hilliers Carlton Pty Ltd would partner the Brumby Labor Government to deliver the multi-million dollar redevelopment, which will be the largest and most environmentally sustainable public housing redevelopment in Victoria’s history.

The Brumby Labor Government is standing up for vulnerable Victorian families while at the same time creating jobs and boosting the Victorian economy,” Mr Wynne said.

Mr Wynne said the redevelopment will replace 192 outdated walk-up flats across three sites and 7.5 hectares with the Brumby Labor Government investing around $80 million and the developer contributing around $180 million. It is estimated the redevelopment will help create over 850 direct jobs over the life of the project.

He said the Australand and St Hilliers bid was the strongest because of the proposed quality and design of the new housing and community areas, plans to deliver the project over stages and the leading edge environmental standards.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to totally redevelop the Carlton public housing estate and deliver a sustainable, 21st Century community for inner Melbourne because we believe all Victorians deserve access to suitable, stable and affordable housing,” Mr Wynne said.

“The Director of Housing, has signed the Heads of Agreement with Australand and St Hilliers and the next steps will now be the final Development Agreement and to apply for stage 1 planning approval.

“These major areas of Carlton will be revitalised into vibrant community precincts with new public parks, a community garden and pedestrian and bicycle pathways. A new community health and aged care centre will also provide aged care services and accommodation.”

Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike MP heralded the project’s ‘zero carbon’ status as the first project of its kind in Victoria.

“The Brumby Labor Government will deliver a new community that incorporates leading edge environmentally sustainable features such as solar and wind energy, grey water recycling and a minimum six star energy rating,” Ms Pike said.

Mr Wynne said that given its size and scope the redevelopment it would be completed in seven stages over the next eight years. The first stage of construction is scheduled for December 2009. The redevelopment is expected to be fully completed by 2017.

The high-rise towers near Lygon and Elgin Streets will not be demolished but the redevelopment will significantly improve safety, security and sustainability of the high rise areas.

Design plans for the public and social housing will be reviewed by the Carlton Community Liaison Committee which includes public tenants and local community representatives.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of everybody involved in this process and in particular the local residents and chair of the local Community Liaison Committee, Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region Jenny Mikakos.” Mr Wynne said.

Australand General Manager Robert Pradolin said he was delighted to take part in a project set to revitalise key areas in one of Melbourne’s most diverse suburbs.

“We are looking forward to delivering a high-quality project that aims to bring vast benefits to local residents and the Carlton community,” Mr Pradolin said.

 

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.