New images reveal scope of new public housing estate in Walker St, Northcote

NEW images shed light on a planned multi-million dollar overhaul of an ageing Northcote public housing estate.

An impression of the redeveloped Walker St estate from High St, Northcote. Picture: DHHS

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NEW images have shed light on a planned multimillion-dollar overhaul to a Northcote public housing estate.

The dilapidated Walker St housing estate, which includes 87 dwellings, will be torn down and rebuilt under a $185 million State Government program.

There are seven walk-up apartment blocks on the site no taller than five storeys.

Documents released last month by the Department of Housing and Human Services reveal the new housing blocks could be as tall as eight storeys.

BEFORE: The view of the public housing estate from High St today. Picture: DHHS

AFTER: An impression of the redeveloped estate from High St. Picture: DHHS

The program will renew nine ageing Melbourne estates with the promise of a 10 per cent increase in public housing units at each site.

The Walker St estate was built in the 1960s and is inaccessible for people with disabilities.

Housing Minister Martin Foley said in December that the upgrade would “improve conditions for tenants, provide more housing and help shape a vibrant new future for residents”.

The renewal program will use a public-private partnership model and mix private homes with public housing.

BEFORE: The view of the public housing estate from Walker St today. Picture: DHHS

AFTER: An impression of the redeveloped estate from Walker St. Picture: DHHS

Residents have been told they will have the right to return once the development is complete, but some have raised concerns over the loss of three-bedroom units.

A State Government fact sheet distributed to residents advised that “some larger homes” would be built for familes but suggested the majority would be one and two-bedroom units as “these are in the highest demand”.

“The 2012 and 2017 review of our stock by the Auditor General identified a mismatch of dwelling size with the needs of residents and highlighted the need for increased numbers of one and two bedroom homes,” it said.

BEFORE: The view of the public housing estate from High St, Northcote today. Picture: DHHS

AFTER: An impression of the redeveloped estate from High St, Northcote. Picture: DHHS

Darebin Mayor Kim Le Cerf said the council would “advocate strongly” for local families to be able to return to their homes.

“The redevelopment is a once in a generation opportunity to secure significant social benefits for current and future residents and the surrounding community,” she said.

Residents are expected to be moved out by the end of the year, with construction to begin early 2018.

@edjgardiner