South Melbourne Housing Precinct Revamp Takes Next Step

The South Melbourne housing precinct is moving forward after community consultation began for the 131 energy-efficient social home project—the first step in a multi-stage redevelopment of the precinct.

The development at 182-196 Dorcas Street would rise on the site of three walk-up buildings of 64 units that were demolished last year.

Each home would include “safe and modern features” in a mix of one to four-bedroom configurations. The document said that a minimum of 5 per cent would be designed for people with a disability, and that each apartment would feature its own laundry, balcony and air conditioner.

The redevelopment would also deliver improved landscaping and shared community spaces.

Current residents do not need to move during stage one as the new homes are to be built on vacant land. Relocated renters from the demolished walk-ups would have the right to return to new homes based on ongoing eligibility, needs and the suitability of the new homes.

The planning and design process would deliver the first stage of works after a visioning consultation with residents, the community and Port Phillip Council was held during August.

Construction is scheduled to begin by mid-2026, and completion is expected by June of 2029.

The development operates under streamlined planning processes introduced through Victoria’s Big Housing Build program.

The social housing project would be jointly funded through the Big Housing Build program and the Australian Government’s $10-billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

▲ Time & Place’s $500-million development at Dorcas Street and St Kilda Road was approved in January.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the government had “fast-tracked more homes in the heart of South Melbourne to ensure hundreds more Victorians can live around the corner from the brand-new Anzac Station as well as trams, the Botanical Gardens, schools, shops and services”.

The developments form part of broader South Melbourne precinct renewal. Future stages are yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, a separate project, at 200 Dorcas Street, is part of the government’s program to retire and replace  by 2051 Melbourne’s 44 older highrise public housing towers built between the 1950s and 1970s.

Earlier this year, private developer Time & Place secured approval for a separate $500-million mixed-use development nearby, comprising 243 apartments across two towers at the junction of Dorcas Street and St Kilda Road.