58 new social homes have been delivered in a partnership between the Victorian state government, Launch Housing and Banyule City Council.
The newly completed $25.3 million housing development in Bellfield, around 9km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, was funded by Homes Victoria and community housing provider Launch Housing and created over 225 jobs throughout its construction.
Launch Housing developed the project on vacant land owned by Banyule City Council, on a 50-year lease.
The community housing provider will also manage the homes, which will be allocated to households on the Victorian Housing Register.
Located beside the Banyule City Council’s new community hub, the new homes are close to amenities including shops, Ford Park, transport, schools and services.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home and this new development is a wonderful example of modern, accessible and well-connected housing in the growing Bellfield community,” said Harriet Shing, minister for housing.
“This partnership between government and Launch Housing is another project that shows the value of collaboration – it’s created jobs, driven growth, and will improve the lives of families for generations to come.”
The development is part of the state government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, which is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in the government’s history.
So far, more than 7,600 new social and affordable homes have been completed or are underway under the build, with the government on track to deliver at least 12,000 homes and create more than 40,000 jobs.
“Today is a milestone to celebrate giving more people in the Bellfield community a sense of belonging. Through our shared commitment with The City of Banyule we are providing new social housing that is modern, energy efficient and secure,” said Anthony Carbines, member for Ivanhoe.
Back in September, the Victorian government announced the Affordable Housing Investment Partnership (AHIP) would deliver an additional $1 billion in low-interest loans and guarantees to help finance up to 6,000 new social and affordable homes.
With the AHIP to be instituted alongside the Big Housing Build, which is targeting more than 12,000 new homes while generating 10,000 jobs each year over the four-year program.
