Carlton precinct

Located across 2 sites in the heart of Carlton along busy Lygon and Drummond Streets as well as Elgin Street and Nicholson Streets, the Carlton precinct is home to over 800 households. These high-risewere built between 1965 and 1968.

The Carlton local housing office is located at 480 Lygon Street.

Precinct status

The Elgin Towers resident relocations concluded last year, and the buildings are empty and ready for retirement. Careful deconstruction of the buildings will start towards the end of 2024, with construction set to commence in 2026. People will begin to move into their new homes in 2028.

Residents will be able to return. When complete, all former residents of the Elgin Towers, Carlton will be invited to return to the new homes on the site.

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What's happening in the precinct

What does the Big Housing Build mean for residents in social housing high-rise neighbourhoods?

This is Australia’s largest urban renewal project with a pipeline of projects between now and 2051. It will transform Melbourne’s high-rise social housing neighbourhoods, redeveloping 44 ageing high-rises and other buildings with modern, accessible and energy efficient homes and improved community facilities. Once completed, there will be at least 10% more social housing for Victorians who need it and more homes close to schools, services, transport and jobs.

This is a long-term project that will happen in careful stages. When it’s time to move, residents are given plenty of notice and help from our relocations team to find a suitable new home. This includes homes in your neighbourhood if you choose.

When new homes are built residents have the right to return to their neighbourhood based on their 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.

Learn more about the relocations process