Big Housing Build: how is a building deconstructed and how are renters supported?

Victoria’s Big Housing Build is taking its next big step towards retiring and redeveloping ageing social housing high-rises in Melbourne.   

As part of the Housing Statement, Australia’s biggest ever urban renewal project will deliver modern, accessible and energy efficient homes.   

Towers across five suburbs have been announced in the first year of the project, including: 

• 20 Elgin Street, Carlton 

• 141 Nicholson Street, Carlton 
• 120 Racecourse Road, Flemington 
• 12 Holland Court, Flemington 
• 33 Alfred Street, North Melbourne 
• 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 
• 259 Malvern Road, South Yarra 

These projects are at various stages in the redevelopment journey. 

What does the redevelopment process look like? 

The redevelopment process can be broken down into five stages: 

1. Renters are supported to relocate to suitable homes. Read more about how we support renters below or visit our relocations hub. 
2. Buildings are carefully deconstructed across a one to two year period. 
3. We start construction of new homes and shared community spaces following consultation with renters and community . Construction can take two to three years. New and returning renters are welcomed to new homes 

How are renters supported? 

Current renters will have dedicated support to move to a home that meets their needs and connects them with people and places important to them. 

Renters will be given the opportunity to return to their new neighbourhood following the redevelopment based on their ongoing eligibility and needs, and the suitability of the new homes. 

We have been engaging closely with renters and communities since this program started. 

The renter relocation process can be broken down into six steps: 

 1. Learning more 

Renters might not be relocating immediately but they can learn more about the process and see what's happening in other neighbourhoods, including new homes available. 

2. Getting ready 

When a new site is announced, renters are given lots of notice before they relocate. If they are impacted, our relocations team will get in touch and book a relocations appointment to understand their needs and preferences and find a suitable property. 

This includes preferred location, and important things like: 

• Health and service and providers 
• Schools, childcare and jobs 
• Accessibility needs 
• Social, cultural and community connections 
• Transport links and connections. 

Relocation appointments are organised to suit renter needs. Renters can take as much time as they need, and they can be held wherever they feel comfortable, including in their home. Renters are welcome to bring family members, or other support services. We will also arrange an interpreter if required. 

At the end of the appointment, the relocations team will help the renter lodge a relocations application so they can begin looking for their new home.  

3. Relocating 

Once a renter receives a housing offer, they will get the chance to inspect the home and make sure that it is a good fit. When they accept the offer the relocations team will work with the household to decide on a suitable moving day. Homes Victoria will book the removalists and cover all reasonable 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 items they don’t want to move to the new home. 

On the agreed moving day, the removalist will take renter’s packed boxes and furniture to their new home. We also help connect renters with new services if they are moving to a new neighbourhood.  

4. Housing available for relocating renters 

Brand new social housing is available to renters who are currently relocating including Abbotsford Street, North Melbourne, Victoria Street, Flemington, Bangs Street, Prahran, and Elizabeth Street, North Richmond. New social housing is also underway on Elizabeth Street, Richmond and due to be complete by July 2025. 

These modern, comfortable and accessible homes include features like private laundries and balconies. Their sustainable design means they will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.    

5. Staying connected and getting involved 

We will keep renters informed and involved in the planning for the redeveloped homes, as well as provide regular updates on progress and changes in their neighbourhood, especially if they plan to return. Rentes can also play a part in the design of new homes and neighbourhoods. 

6. Coming back 

The redevelopment will take 6 to 8 years. Renters have the right to return to their current neighbourhood when the redevelopment is complete based on their ongoing needs, eligibility and the suitability of new homes.  Renters can also choose to stay in the home they are relocated to if this suits them better at the time. 

Still have questions? 

If renters have questions about the relocations process, they can email the relocations team or call the number below to be connected to their local housing office (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). Interpreters are available if required.