The State Government has announced plans to relocate residents from two local public housing towers starting as early as July. The two local towers are 150 Inkerman Street (St Kilda) and 150 Victoria Avenue (Albert Park).
It’s part of an ambitious and contentious plan announced by then‑Premier Daniel Andrews in September 2023 that proposed that all 44 of Melbourne’s high‑rise public housing towers would be demolished and redeveloped.
Under the plan, the redeveloped sites would house up to 30,000 people, but only around a 10 per cent net increase in social housing was promised, with a significant shift from public housing to community‑managed housing and market rentals.
On Friday Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing announced the next stage of the program will redevelop seven towers across six estates in Albert Park, Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne, Prahran and St Kilda. All prime real-estate that will attract the attention of developers.
‘The existing towers are reaching the end of their useful lives and fail against noise, sustainability, energy efficiency, ventilation, private open space, seismic standards, accessibility and minimum amenity standards,’ she said.
From St Kilda to South Yarra?
In a letter sent to Inkerman tenants, residents were asked to consider relocation to a new housing development in Simmons Street, South Yarra. It says these homes will be available later this year. The letter says these apartments will better security, new appliances, accessible bathrooms, air conditioners and heating, as well as balconies and private laundries.
From Albert Park to Port Melbourne?
While TWiSK has not seen the letter sent to Albert Park tenants, the Homes Victoria website spruiks the development of ‘nearby’ Barak-Beacon development in Port Melbourne.
Speaking exclusively to TWiSK, Mayor Alex Makin said the distance to Port Melbourne is nearby on the map but poorly serviced by public transport. ‘Staying connected to community is difficult when the 606 bus is so infrequent and often full,’ he said.
Local MPs surprised
Calls to local MPs and their responses told TWiSK that they were surprised by the announcement and the quick commencement of voluntary relocations.
Understandable, given the initial 2023 Andrews announcement (made in the last days of his administration) implied that the demolition program might take 20 years or more to complete.
Mayor Alex Makin was also taken by surprise. He released a statement on Friday saying: ‘We are seeking further information from Homes Victoria about timelines, relocation arrangements and how tenants will be supported to remain connected to their local community where possible.’
Yes, there are many questions to be answered on this major change in local public housing.
Brochure sent to Inkerman tenants
