State Government to spend $185 million to overhaul 1000 residences at housing estates

THE State Government has announced a multi-million dollar redevelopment for nine public housing estates across Melbourne, one in the inner east.

Housing Minister Martin Foley. Picture: Chris Eastman

THE State Government has announced a multi-million dollar redevelopment for nine public housing estates across Melbourne, including the Bangs St estate in Prahran.

Housing Minister Martin Foley visited Bangs St estate in Prahran to make the announcement this morning, which he said would improve conditions for tenants.

“A community of good people has been condemned to live in properties that were built in the 60s, that are at best rundown,” he said.

“This investment will enable us to build properties that are better suited to their needs.”

More than 1000 residences in Brunswick, North Melbourne, Heidelberg West, Clifton Hill, Brighton, Prahran, Hawthorn and Ascot Vale will be overhauled under stage one of the $185 million project.

At Bang St, 120 properties will be renovated as part of the first stage.

And Mr Foley said the Government expects social housing offerings will increase by 10 per cent as part of the project.

Plans for each site will be developed in partnership with current tenants and the community, with consultation to begin early next year and work to take place in 2018.

Current tenants will not be relocated for some time, and the Mr Foley said the Government would ensure all efforts would be made to minimise disruption to their lives.

These residents will also have the first option to return to the estate once the work is complete.