Victorian government fast-tracks approval for over 500 new homes in South Yarra

The Allan Labor Government has announced the fast-tracked approval of more than 500 new social, affordable, and market homes at Simmons Street in South Yarra, as part of its efforts to deliver homes where they are needed. The 522 new homes are the first to get underway as part of the Ground Lease Model 2 and will be delivered across multiple apartment buildings.

Minister for Housing Harriet Shing said, “As our population grows, we’re fast-tracking the delivery of thousands of new homes in communities across Victoria as part of our multi-billion dollar housing investment. These are modern, accessible, and energy-efficient homes that residents can be proud to call their own.”

The new one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes will be modern and energy-efficient, helping residents save on power bills while staying comfortable throughout the seasons. The redevelopment will deliver a 34 per cent increase in social housing on the site and will feature communal gardens, recreational rooms, playgrounds, cafes, and gym facilities, as well as 18 Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings for people with high physical support needs.

The project aligns with the Government’s Housing Statement reforms, which aim to create conditions for 800,000 new homes to be built over the next decade, close to transport, schools, and jobs. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny emphasized, “We’re delivering hundreds of new homes in the heart of South Yarra because we know we need more homes for Victorians where they want to live – close to jobs, transport, essential services, and shops.”

The Simmons Street development is part of the Allan Labor Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, which has already delivered 436 new homes, with an additional 677 homes under construction across the City of Stonnington.

The Albanese Government is also working to ensure more Victorians have access to safe and affordable housing, with almost $500 million delivered to Victoria through the Social Housing Accelerator, which will help build up to 769 new social homes across the state.

Member for Southern Metropolitan John Berger expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “It’s exciting to see the old, outdated social housing dwellings be turned into brand new, modern homes for people right across the community.”

Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins highlighted the importance of collaboration between all levels of government, saying, “These new homes are a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work together. We want to ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for those needing a safe place for the night.”