City of Melbourne plan to build emergency housing in CBD for homeless

Homelessness in Melbourne’s CBD has long been a problem but now there’s a plan to deal with it, by transforming an old building into housing.

An old building in the Melbourne CBD will provide up to 50 studio apartments for the homeless. Pictured are Lord Mayor Sally Capp (centre) with Luis Herrera and Lisa Townsend, who used to be homeless. Picture: Ian Currie

An old industrial building in the CBD will be transformed into emergency housing for rough sleepers in a bid to deal with the city’s homelessness problem.

The redevelopment of 602 Little Bourke Street, a former electricity facility, will see up to 50 studio units built over several floors.

The City of Melbourne will provide the building, worth $7.45m, and has allocated $365,000 to start the refit in its latest budget.

To be officially announced on Sunday, the total cost of the venture is tipped to be $20m, with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation pledging support.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp (centre) with former rough sleepers Luis Herrera and Lisa Townsend in front of the building that will be transformed into housing for homeless. Picture: Ian Currie

The council is talking to other potential donors, supporters and partners, with more announcements expected to be made soon.

The accommodation will include support services such as doctors, mental health professionals, counsellors and housing specialists.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the project would provide a safe sleeping place for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people.

“Melbourne is a caring city, and we know how deeply Melburnians care about making a positive difference for those currently experiencing homelessness,” she said.

“Residents and business owners are often distressed seeing people sleeping rough near their homes or shops, particularly during our cold winter months.”

Ms Capp said project would create more than 70 construction jobs, as well as dozens of ongoing roles once the accommodation is open.

“I’d like to thank organisations such as Housing All Australians, the Council to Homeless Persons and so many more for their continued advocacy on this important issue,” she said.

Health, wellbeing and belonging lead councillor Dr Olivia Ball, said the venture would change lives.

“We are using a housing first approach, which means that people need to be housed before any other challenges in their lives can be effectively addressed,” she said.

Most of the inner city’s rough sleepers have been given free hotel stays during pandemic shutdowns, including the most recent lockdown, through a state government scheme.

Salvation Army welfare worker Major Brendan Nottle, who runs Project 614 in Bourke Street, said this had informed the city council’s plan.

“It shows clearly that when rough sleepers are given access to safe accommodation with supports, it can have a transformative impact on their lives,” he said.

The council facility will have a 24-hour concierge service, and also host a social enterprise on the ground floor providing more job and training options.

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