31 January 2024

Hundreds of families are returning to Flemington to live in state-of-the-art homes as part of the Allan Labor Government’s nation first Ground Lease Model redevelopment project.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing and Member Essendon Danny Pearson today visited the new homes on Victoria Street to meet with returning resident Rose – who has just moved back in with her eight children.

Previously home to outdated and no longer fit for modern living flats which were demolished in 2021, the site now features 359 new homes – 240 social homes and 119 affordable homes – as well as more community and open spaces.

The new one, two, three and four-bedroom homes are modern and energy efficient, so residents will be cool in summer and warm in winter while saving on their power bills.

The redevelopment has delivered an uplift in social housing of more than 20 per cent – and includes new homes designed to support people with disabilities, with accessibility features including drop-off areas, lifts and car parking.

Located just five kilometres from the CBD, the site is close to public transport, jobs, community services and local destinations including Debney’s Park and the Racecourse Road shopping area.

In a first-of-its-kind for social housing in Australia, the redevelopment has been delivered under the Ground Lease Model where land is leased to a not-for-profit project partner, to build, operate, and maintain the housing onsite for 40 years.

The land remains publicly owned for the duration of the lease while all homes will be transferred to public ownership at the end of the lease.

Flemington is one of the first Ground Lease Model project sites in Australia, along with Brighton and Prahran, where more than 1,300 new social, affordable and market rental homes are either complete or underway.

With these homes, the Labor Government has now completed or started works on more than 9,200 homes as part of our landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

We’re also getting on with retiring and redeveloping all of Melbourne’s ageing high-rise public housing estates which no longer meet contemporary codes, nationwide energy rating schemes or accessibility needs for residents.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Harriet Shing

“We’re continuing our work to provide bright, modern, accessible and energy efficient homes to thousands of Victorian families, in the communities they love.”

“In welcoming Flemington residents to their new homes and by partnering with our community housing sector, we’re supporting local pride and connections while keeping land in public hands.”

Quote from Member for Essendon Danny Pearson 

“It’s fantastic to see families like Rose and her kids returning to their modern and efficient new homes here in Flemington, so close to the CBD.”