Hundreds more Victorians will soon have a place to call home in Preston thanks to the Andrews Labor Government, with a new development set to boost both social and market housing in Melbourne’s in-demand northern suburbs.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the prototype apartments and inspected construction progress at a new development in Preston, which is the first social housing project to be completed as part of the Labor Government’s Public Housing Renewal Project.

Construction is progressing rapidly on the Oakover Road project, which will boost social housing on the site by 280 per cent, creating more safe and secure housing for Victorians. 

The project is replacing 26 outdated social homes with 296 new homes – including 99 new social housing homes and 197 new market homes. 

The social homes, delivered as the first stage of the development, are on track to be completed in early 2024 – with Homes Victoria to soon begin contacting previous tenants about returning to the site to live in the modern homes.

The new homes on the site are all-electric and designed to meet the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines – Gold Level, with 5-star Green Star and 7-star average NatHERS ratings. The site will deliver safe and publicly accessible green spaces and a communal rooftop garden with great city views.

Residents will enjoy pathways connecting new homes to streets, footpaths and bike paths, new street furniture, lighting, landscaping including durable, high-quality materials and an artist studio/gallery space.

The site will deliver a significant increase in social housing, while first home buyers were given priority access to purchase a new market home. 

HousingFirst will manage the social housing at Preston on behalf of Homes Victoria. HousingFirst is a not-for profit, community focused provider that will deliver tenancy and dwelling management services for social housing residents.

The Labor Government is delivering hundreds of housing developments and thousands of new homes as part of the landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, alongside other social housing projects. 

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Work is forging ahead in Preston on yet another huge housing development that will give hundreds more Victorians the safety and dignity of a great home in a good community.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Housing Colin Brooks

“In just a matter of months the social homes at this site will be complete and will provide safe and secure housing to many families, couples, individuals and first home buyers.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous 

“These are the modern, accessible and energy efficient homes our community needs. With a housing office onsite to support tenants, and a creative arts studio activating the street front, we can’t wait to see residents enjoying their beautiful new homes.”