Gronn Place, Brunswick West residents fight State Government to stay

TENANTS of under siege public housing estate in Brunswick are clinging onto their homes despite pressure from the State Government.

TENANTS of under siege public housing estate Gronn Place are clinging onto their homes despite pressure from the State Government.

The Brunswick West complex has been earmarked for demolition and reconstruction as part of the Public Housing Renewal Program, which will be a mix of public and private housing.

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A resident, who didn’t want to be named to protect his chances of staying, said he had to stay to help his son, who had recently been released from prison.

He said he was also battling health issues.

“I’ve got to stay close to home,” he said.

“This is not a home to me, it’s a castle … all we want to do is stay here.”

Moreland councillor Sue Bolton said the estate was a tight-knit community.

“Because it’s permanent tenancy there’s a real ecosystem here and there are a lot of families around,” she said.

Jacob Andrewartha and Moreland councillor Sue Bolton at Gronn Place. Picture: Ellen Smith

The Public Housing Defence Network will hold a public meeting this week to discuss the renewal program, which includes nine sites across Melbourne.

Housing Minister Martin Foley said all tenants would be able to return to Gronn Place following the rebuild.

The plans for the site will see the current 81 public houses demolished and replaced with 268 new homes.

Of those, 91 are expected to be offered as public housing.

In April, the council estimated that at least 150 residents lived in the estate.

The meeting will be held at the Brunswick Town Hall on Thursday from 7pm.

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