Premier tours new social housing development in Preston

The Allan Labor Government has welcomed residents back to Oakover Road in Preston, where a major redevelopment has tripled the number of social housing units onsite and delivered new market housing in Melbourne’s north.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Housing Harriet Shing toured the redevelopment today, which was completed as part of the Public Housing Renewal Program and has delivered 296 new homes.

The project replaced 26 single-storey social housing dwellings that were no longer fit-for-purpose with 296 new homes, including 99 new social homes that will house up to 140 people.

“Every Victorian deserves the dignity and security of a roof over their head, and we’re delivering more of these high-quality homes in the right places to benefit more Victorians,” Premier Allan said.

The site, located just eight kilometres north of Melbourne’s city centre, is minutes away from the new Bell train station, a short walk from the Number 11 tram, and close to Preston Market and shops along High Street.

The new homes meet the Gold Livable Housing Design Standards, are all-electric, and have 5-star Green Star and 7-star average NatHERS ratings, making them more energy-efficient.

The redevelopment also includes a rooftop terrace for social housing residents, a community gallery, and green open spaces.

“This is an investment in the lives of Victorians for years to come – replacing outdated homes and tripling the social housing on site, while also adding more homes to the market to give buyers more choice locally,” Minister Shing said.

Community housing partner HousingFirst will manage the social housing, and the homes were developed in partnership with MAB corporation.

The Public Housing Renewal Project is delivering more than 4,000 new homes, while over 12,000 homes are being delivered as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, with a further 1,600 homes to be delivered in regional Victoria under the Regional Housing Fund.