Public housing to be renovated after disaster,
Melbourne’s postwar public housing towers are undergoing a significant transformation following a sewage failure in 2022.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Housing Harriet Shing unveiled the initial concept designs for the redevelopment.
The major revamp will involve replacing 60-year-old red brick buildings in Carlton, which are considered “beyond their useful life.”
In 2022, residents were forced to vacate the buildings due to the failure of the sewage system.
“These towers no longer meet modern living standards, particularly for families with children and Victorians living with disabilities,” Shing stated.
The new Carlton towers will rise 16 to 18 storeys high, featuring a simple, modern red-and-cream design.
Improved accessibility will be a key focus for the new towers, ensuring better living conditions for all residents.
Additionally, there will be four and five-bedroom apartments to accommodate larger families, responding directly to renter feedback.
As energy costs continue to rise, energy efficiency will also be a major priority in the new designs.
The apartments aim to achieve a seven-star NatHERS rating, minimizing the need for heating and cooling throughout the year.
A community vegetable garden and shared outdoor terrace will also be included, offering residents a space to relax and socialize.
“I want families to have decent homes because I want kids to have decent lives,” Premier Allan stated.
“Every Victorian deserves a home close to loved ones, with easy access to transport, jobs, and essential services.”
The new designs will include 248 units, which is a 26 percent increase over the previous 1960s towers.
Construction on the Carlton apartment towers is set to be completed by 2028, providing modern homes for future residents.
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