- The $18.3 million project will increase the supply of social housing in Melbourne’s inner north
- The project is a part of the Victorian government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build
- The homes will be for families who are on the highest priority category, or on the register of interest of the Victoria Housing Register.
The City of Banyule will see 42 new homes built after non-for-profit Unison’s shovel-ready social housing project received funding from the Victorian government.
The $18.3 million project will increase the supply of social housing in Melbourne’s inner north, providing modern, spacious, and mostly two bedrooms apartments spread across six levels.
Located in Heidelberg Heights, the suburb has seen a 3.6% increase in asking property prices for units over the past year, averaging $749,824, according to SQM Research.
CEO of Unison Housing James King said his company has a track record of planning, delivering, and operating social and affordable housing projects across the state.
“In partnership with government, public and private partners… we are committed to building and managing housing that is well designed, affordable, accessible and secure,” Mr King said.
The project is a part of the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build providing social and affordable housing across metropolitan and regional areas.
Unison Housing has said any operating surplus of the project will be reinvested back into their services, properties, communities, and more development of affordable housing.
The homes will be for families who are on the highest priority category, or on the register of interest of the Victoria Housing Register.
According to Unison, their place management team will work with local services to ensure residents are linked with support to facilitate a sustainable tenancy.
Mr King said, “having a safe, stable and affordable place to call home is more than just having a roof over someone’s head. For many it’s an opportunity to start a new life.”
The project is estimated to create more than 160 jobs in construction, and ongoing jobs in housing and community services.
Building is ready to begin at the end of November 2021, with aims to be completed in mid-2023.
Unison’s completed Fairfield complex
Earlier this year, Unison completed an $11.5 million social housing development, in Fairfield Victoria, providing 38 self-contained homes for women in need.
Mr King said, “we’ve also incorporated additional security features to assist the residents with their wellbeing, their peace of mind, so that they can establish a home here.”
Werribee construction begins
Unison Housing began construction on a new $30 million social and housing development in Werribee, which will consist of 74 new dwellings for disadvantaged and vulnerable Victorians.
