Plans unveiled for redevelopment of Carlton public housing towers

The state government has revealed concept plans for the redevelopment of public housing towers in Carlton, which will provide 248 social homes across two buildings, each featuring private balconies and rising 16 and 18-storeys high.

The plans for Carlton are part of the wider redevelopment of 44 public housing towers across Victoria, marking the state’s largest-ever urban renewal project.

The new social housing and community spaces will replace the 17-storey red-brick towers in Carlton, which have been standing for over 60 years.

The updated designs will include four- and five-bedroom apartments to better suit larger families, as well as featuring enhanced accessibility, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, ceiling fans, in-unit laundries, double-glazed windows, and modern kitchen fittings.

“I want families to have decent homes because I want kids to have decent lives. Every Victorian deserves a home near the people they love, close to transport, jobs and services,” premier Jacinta Allan said.

Tenants actively participated in the design process via a dedicated community committee, with the new homes also expected to meet high sustainability standards, achieving a five-star Green Star rating and a seven-star NatHERS rating for energy efficiency.

“Every single one of these homes in Carlton will become a modern, energy-efficient and accessible place for people to call home,” federal minister for housing and homelessness, Clare O’Neil said.

Residents were relocated from the Carlton towers in 2022 due to a failure in the sewerage system, with demolition work already underway.

The next phase is set to commence early next year, targeting the vacant towers at 20 Elgin Street and 141 Nicholson Street, with construction anticipated to be completed by 2028.

“The towers no longer meet modern standards of living - particularly for families with kids, and Victorians living with a disability,” Victorian minister for housing, Harriet Shing said.

“While others try to block, we’ll continue to build more homes across Victoria that are bright, modern, secure, connected, and accessible.”