Renters begin moving into more and better homes in North Melbourne

Renters have begun moving into 67 new homes in North Melbourne. 

Homes Victoria partnered with Housing Choices Australia on the social housing project which was completed earlier this year.

Housing Choices Australia is a national not-for-profit community housing organisation. They deliver social housing to people on the Victorian Housing Register, as well as providing homelessness services and transitional housing.

Community housing organisations like Housing Choices are experts at creating connected and supported communities that help renters get ahead and thrive.

James Henry, General Manager Housing Choices Australia, said that having homes in places like North Melbourne means that renters can feel connected to local services and engaged in their community.

“We are excited to be in such an amazing site that has access to amenities,” he said.

“It’s the type of place we want to have our residents living.”

Clare Cousins, the director of Clare Cousins Architect, said that creating quality amenity was a priority when designing the new homes.

“All of our projects have a huge amount of thought that goes into making homes energy efficient,” she said.

The building features two large communal gardens, with city views and spaces where people can gather.

The homes have been designed to meet and exceed modern building design so that residents can age in place, with features like wide walkways, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and with no steps or ledges throughout.

The building design includes solar panels on the roof, double glazed windows, and consideration for cross ventilation. 

The design also eliminated the use of fossil fuels, replacing gas burners with electric stovetops. 

By partnering with organisations like Housing Choices, Homes Victoria is delivering more high-quality homes that fit the varied housing needs of more Victorians.