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About the High-rise redevelopment project
As part of Victoria’s Big Housing Build, we are retiring and redeveloping Melbourne’s 44 older social housing high-rise giving more Victorians access to modern, accessible, and energy-efficient homes, as well as better designed community facilities for everyone.
The Victorian Government has announced the next sites to be redeveloped are:
- 139 Highett Street, Richmond
- 6 and 8 Anderson Court, Richmond
- 1 - 5, 7 and 9 Williams Court, Richmond, and
- 111, 119 and 127 Elizabeth Street, Richmond, and
- 259 Malvern Road, South Yarra
This redevelopment is due for completion in 2032.
Renters will have dedicated support to relocate from their home and remain close by or choose a different neighbourhood in Victoria. This will enable the redevelopment of these high-rise buildings to build more and better homes.
When the new social housing is completed, relocated renters will have a right of return to the neighbourhood based on their ongoing needs, eligibility and suitability of new homes. Renters can also choose to stay in the home they have relocated to if that suits better at the time.
What does this mean for me?
This means that renters living in these sites will start relocation discussions, so that the redevelopment can begin, and new social housing can be built.
The relocations process will be completed by February 2026.
The redevelopment will take between 6 and 8 years.
Learn more about the relocations process
What does this mean for renters living in other towers at Richmond?
Other towers in Richmond have not been announced. There are no immediate impacts for these households.
In the next few days
There will be staff from Homes Victoria and the local housing office available in the foyer of 139 Highett Street to answer any questions you have.
They will be available from:
- 10am – 3pm Friday 20 September
- 10am – 12pm Saturday 21 September
- 10am – 3pm Monday 23 September.
You can talk to our team about the redevelopment and register to talk about the relocation process and how we can best support you.
Over the next couple of months
The relocations team will meet with each household to get to know your needs and preferences. They will use this information to match you with a new home.
You can read more about the relocations process below, or at the relocations page.
Over the next couple of years
Your household will be relocated to new housing that meets your needs.
We will keep you updated on the redevelopment and opportunities to have your say on the design of new homes.
Where am I going to live?
Our relocations team will work with you to find a new place to live based on your needs and preferences.
This includes options in the local neighbourhood like the new homes underway on Elizabeth Street, Richmond due for completion in July 2025.
How does the relocations process work?
Our relocations team will meet with you to understand your needs and preferences, including important things, like:
- accessibility requirements
- health services and providers
- schools, childcare and education
- social and community networks
- transport links and connections.
When we find a new home that matches your needs and preferences, you will have a chance to inspect the property before you accept the offer.
Who will cover the moving costs?
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 items you don’t want to move to your new home.
Find out more at the Relocations page
What is going to be built on the site?
The designs for the new homes have not been finalised but will include modern and secure social housing.
You will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the designs.
Will everyone move at the same time?
No. Renters will be relocated gradually and supported throughout this process.
Will I be able to come back once the new homes are completed?
You have the right to return to your current neighbourhood based on your ongoing eligibility, needs and suitability of the new homes.
You can also choose to stay in your new home if that suits you better, at the time.
What is happening at other sites?
Relocations are already underway at 120 Racecourse Road and 12 Holland Court, Flemington and 33 Alfred Street, North Melbourne.
Redevelopment will soon be underway at the two high-rise sites at 20 Elgin Street and 141 Nicholson Street, Carlton where renters have already relocated.
Where can I get more information?
You can learn more about the Big Housing Build, the relocations process and the plans to redevelop sites in Richmond:
- Attend a community pop-up event in the foyer at 139 Highett Street:
- 10am – 3pm Friday 20 September
- 10am – 12pm Saturday 21 September
- 10am – 3pm Monday 23 September
- More events will be held in coming weeks - times and dates will be on our website and in building foyers
- Call 1800 716 866 to be connected to your local housing office (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). Interpreters are available if required
- Visit our new website at bighousingbuild.homes.vic.gov.au where you can make an enquiry with our relocations team
- Email enquiries@homes.vic.gov.au.
