MORE than 150 new social housing dwellings have been earmarked for Epping under the State Government’s Big Housing Build.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne last week turned the first sod at the New Epping development.
The project will include 79 one-bedroom and 72 two-bedroom social housing homes for people on Victoria’s housing wait list.
The new houses will be funded through the government’s $1 bullion Victorian Social Housing Growth Fund, which supports partnerships between the government and community housing, private, not-for-profit and local government sectors.
Mr Wynne said in total the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build would deliver more than 12,000 new homes and was the singles larges investment in affordable housing in Australia’s history.
“Our unprecedented investment in safe, secure housing will change lives – not only putting a roof over people’s heads but creating thousands of jobs as we rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“The private sector has an important role to play in the development of more social housing for Victorians – this is an example of that partnership delivering real benefits for the community.”
The New Epping project is being delivered by the government in partnership with developer Riverlee, the City of Whittlesea, Ramsay Health and Haven Home Safe, which will own and manage the social housing dwellings.
Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said the New Epping development was planned as a ‘20-minute neighbourhood’, meaning most daily needs would be within a 20-minute return walk from home for each resident, with access to safe and transport options.
“This exciting development is delivering homes for people and families who need them in places close to services hospitals shops and jobs,” she said.
“Having a safe and affordable place to live has never been more important, which is why we’re so proud to partner in projects like this.”
