Frequently asked questions

The high-rise redevelopment replaces 44 aging social housing high-rises and other buildings with modern, accessible and energy efficient homes and improved shared spaces and community facilities. It provides at least 10 % more social housing for Victorians who need it and more homes where they are needed close to schools, services, transport and jobs.

The project was announced in September 2023 and is planned for completion in 2051.

Every Victorian deserves a safe and comfortable home.

Built in the 1950s to 70s the aging high-rises no longer meet modern standards or the standards renters deserve. The redevelopment will provide current renters better homes that meet modern standards and more homes where they are needed close to services, transport and jobs. 

The towers no longer meet many of the minimum design standards in Victoria and it’s not possible to change their structure to meet those standards. These include:

• noise
• accessibility
• private open space
• energy efficiency and sustainability
• waste and recycling
• room depth and dimensions
• ventilation
• fire, flood and seismic standards
• minimum amenity standards.

In recent years significant building faults and breakdowns (electrical, plumbing, lifts and sewerage) have become more common and disrupting to renters. This includes not being able to use lifts and long periods of relocation during repairs.

If Homes Victoria undertook only critical repairs and maintenance, this would cost an estimated $2.3 billion over the next 20 years – roughly $55 million per tower but it still wouldn’t provide homes to meet modern standards. 
 

Carlton

• 20 Elgin Street, Carlton
• 141 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Renters have relocated and deconstruction will start soon.

Learn more about the redevelopment at Elgin Street in Carlton. 

Flemington

• 120 Racecourse Road, Flemington
• 12 Holland Court, Flemington

Renter relocations have started and due to be complete by September 2025.

Learn more about redevelopments in Flemington

North Melbourne

• 33 Alfred Street, North Melbourne

Renter relocations have started and due to be complete by September 2025.

Learn more about redevelopments in North Melbourne

Richmond

• 139 Highett Street, Richmond
• 6 and 8 Anderson Court, Richmond
• 1-5, 7 and 9 Williams Court, Richmond
• 111, 119 and 127 Elizabeth Street, Richmond

Renter relocations have started and due to be complete by February 2026.

Learn more about redevelopments in Richmond

South Yarra

• 259 Malvern Road, South Yarra

Renter relocations have started and due to be complete by February 2026.

Learn more about redevelopments in South Yarra

The high-rise redevelopment is a long-term project that will happen in carefully planned stages. This includes planning for the availability of new homes for relocating renters.

There are no further relocations planned before July 2026 and we’ll be in touch with plenty of notice for renters before the next stage.

The Homes Victoria relocations team will work with each household to get to know their needs and preferences and match them with a suitable new home.

Once renters are helped to relocate, the buildings are carefully deconstructed, and the new buildings and shared spaces are built.

The relocated renters and surrounding community will have a chance to provide feedback on the designs for the new homes and when complete new and returning renters are welcomed to their new home.
The redevelopment process will take 6 to 8 years, including relocations.

The planning for new homes is in the early stages. When finalised they will include increased social housing, modern and secure designs, and improved shared community spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Yes. Relocating renters and the community will be invited to provide input and feedback on the design of new homes and renewed neighbourhoods.

Register for project updates to stay up to date and find out about opportunities to get involved.

Near neighbours will receive notices in their letterboxes ahead of any significant impacts.

You can also sign up for project updates.

Learn more about the Big Housing Build, the relocations process and the plans to redevelop the public housing towers. 

• Call 1800 716 866 to be connected to your local housing office (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). Interpreters are available if required.
• If you are in the process of relocating, you can contact your relocations team at relocationsteam@homes.vic.gov.au. 
• For all other enquires, please email us at enquiries@homes.vic.gov.au.

Our relocations team will meet with each household to understand their needs and preferences to match you with a suitable new home. This including important things, like:

• accessibility requirements
• health services and providers
• schools, childcare and education
• social and community networks
• transport links and connections.

Renters will have a chance to inspect the property before they accept an offer of a new home.

Once an offer is accepted, Homes Victoria will work with renters to choose a moving day and help organise the move.

Learn more about the relocations process

Homes Victoria will book the removalists and cover all moving costs, including: 

• removalist fees 
• packing materials, e.g. tape, boxes 
• connections fees for utilities like electricity, gas, telephone, and internet 
• mail redirection costs 
• disposal of any item's renters don’t want to bring to their new home.

No. Renters will be relocated gradually and supported throughout this process.

When a site has been announced for redevelopment, our relocations team will work with each household to find a new home based on your needs and preferences.

This includes homes in your local neighbourhood if that is your preference.

You can explore some of the options available for renters who are currently relocating:

• Abbotsford Street, North Melbourne
• Victoria Street, Flemington
• Bangs Street, Prahran
• Elizabeth Street, North Richmond.

Relocated renters have the right to return to their current neighbourhood based on their ongoing eligibility, needs and suitability of the new homes. 

They can also choose to stay in their new home if that suits them better, at the time.