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Planning approval for 155 new homes in Melbourne 

Homes Victoria is delivering 155 new homes as part of a redevelopment in Prahran. 

Planning permission was recently received for 155 more and better homes at Essex Street, Prahran.

The site previously featured old social housing dwellings that were outdated and no longer fit for purpose. They will make way for modern one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes that include a mix of social, affordable, market rental and specialist disability accommodation. 

Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newport said the approval of the planning permit announced today was a “major step forward in the delivery of many more and substantially better homes for Victorians - in places they’re needed”.

“This announcement underscores the progress we are making right across the state and will have a major impact in the Prahran area,” Mr Newport said.

“This is another example of what we have been able to achieve across Victoria as part of the Big Housing Build."

Mr Newport said building more homes was important but emphasised the “significant improvements” that would be made on the dwellings that previously existed.

“We focus on quality – improving on the older inefficient homes to ensure our renters have a place they can be proud to call home. 

“These new homes will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Ultimately, it provides a place of comfort for renters but it also saves money on their power bills.”

The redevelopment will achieve a 37% increase in social housing as well as improved landscaping and open spaces that will complement Prahran’s diverse and active community.

artist render of apartment building with local community around

About Essex Street, Prahran

Homes Victoria is redeveloping the Essex Street housing site in Prahran to provide more Victorians with a safe, secure place to call home.

This project will create more high-quality homes and rental opportunities in Prahran to help tackle housing affordability.

The 5,780 sqm site at Essex Street is located just 4kms from Melbourne’s CBD in Prahran in the City of Stonnington. 

The site has land capacity to provide more homes for more Victorians, and is ideally positioned close to public transport, jobs, and community services.

Find out more about the Essex Street, Prahran project.

What is a Ground Lease Model?

New homes at Essex Street will be delivered under a Ground Lease Model, where Homes Victoria leases the land to project partner Building Communities to finance, design, build, manage and maintain the new housing over a 40-year term. This means that all the land remains in public ownership. There will be no sale of public land.

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