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Planning approval for hundreds of new homes in Melbourne

Homes Victoria is delivering hundreds of new social and affordable homes as part of a redevelopment in South Yarra. 

Planning permission was recently received for 522 more and better homes at Simmons Street, South Yarra.

The Horace Petty site previously featured outdated, unfit low-rise homes which are making way for modern one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes.

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”.

“Todays’ announcement underscores the progress we are making right across the state,” 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 “significant improvements” on what 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 34% increase in social housing as well as improved landscaping and open spaces that will complement South Yarra’s diverse and active community.

The Simmons Street site is also located nearby two high-rise housing towers within the Horace Petty estate, which will be retired as part of the High-rise redevelopment project - Australia’s biggest ever urban renewal project. 

Image of artist render of homes to be built at Simmons Street, South Yarra including lounge room and balcony overlooking trees

Artist render of Simmons Street 

About Simmons Street, South Yarra

Homes Victoria is redeveloping the Simmons Street (Horace Petty) housing site in South Yarra to provide more Victorians with a safe, secure place to call home.

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

The old low-rise social housing dwellings at Simmons Street were aged and not fit for purpose. 

These old houses will be replaced by with 522 quality new 1-, 2-, 3-and 4-bedroom homes including a mix of social, affordable, market rental and specialist disability accommodation.

Learn more and sign up for updates about Simmons Street, South Yarra

What is a Ground Lease Model?

New homes at Simmons 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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