Belmont

McKenzie Street, Belmont

About the project

Our McKenzie Street, Belmont residential development will provide architect-designed, environmentally sustainable affordable homes, delivered through a community housing model that supports residents and builds links with the community.

The McKenzie Street, Belmont project is being developed in partnership with Homes Victoria under the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

Designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects, the property comprises 29 apartments across two double-storey buildings. Each apartment is positioned to maximise cross ventilation, shade and access to the communal gardens and features double-glazed windows, water efficient fixtures, re-circulated water and low impact materials. The gardens have been designed for congregation, food production and the enjoyment of residents. All dwellings are designed to Livable Housing Australia Silver Level, 7 Star NatHERS and 5 Star Green Star ratings.

The site is close to the bustling Belmont shopping precinct, public transport, walking and cycling tracks, parks, the Barwon River and other services and amenities. Homes will be offered to predominantly ageing applicants drawn from the Victorian Housing Register. On completion, Housing Choices will deliver both tenancy and property management services for the building and its residential community, as well as community-building initiatives.

Housing Choices is an award-winning, Victorian-based national community housing provider and developer, with extensive experience in affordable and social tenancy and property management, and community-building.

  • Target milestones

    Early 2023: Works below ground and main support base for the building

    All retaining structures, for below ground and drilled piles that transfer load of building down to solid founding layers (rock) includes structural concrete beams that connect the piles, main concrete slab under the core of the building; (lift shafts and stair shafts).

    Mid-2023: Main concrete structure and external elements

    Main structure includes walls, columns, external and internal precast panels/blockwork, level 1 concrete slabs. Mobile cranes will install most vertical elements; horizontal elements will be poured concrete formwork. Visible external elements & the architecture of the building will take shape in this period.

  • Target milestones

    Mid-2023: Internal services and linings

    All the concealed services including water, power, fire systems, storm water and waste system. Finishes include the plaster, joinery, balcony floor finishes and paint.

    Late 2023: External works and waterproofing

    External balcony areas, ground level entries and lobbies as well as landscaping. External applied finishes. Power connection to enable commissioning of all building services (electrical, heating, cooling, ventilation, lifts, fire systems, and plumbing) and testing of systems.

    Late 2023: Practical completion

    Practical completion follows a testing and certification period where all safety systems are tested and certified by independent consultants; once approved by a building surveyor, a certificate of occupancy is issued.

What is community housing

Over 20,000 Victorian households currently live in community housing-owned and managed homes. They are from all walks of life – single people, couples, young families, older women, newly arrived Victorians and people with disability.

The community housing sector is a long standing and vital component of the Australian housing spectrum, alongside public housing and private housing. ‘Social housing’ is an umbrella term that includes both public housing and community housing. It generally indicates housing that involves some degree of rental subsidy. In Victoria, public housing is managed by Homes Victoria. Community housing is owned or managed by non-government, not-for-profit, registered housing agencies like Housing Choices.

Community housing providers are regulated by the Victorian Housing Registrar and hold specialist expertise in property development, property management, tenancy management and community development. We provide safe and secure homes to those who live on low incomes, often with disability. We are committed under our charter to deliver safe, secure and affordable homes to low-income renters, help residents maintain stable tenancies, and ensure they have access to support services and live in communities that will improve their circumstances and life opportunities.

The Big Housing Build

Under the $5.3bn Big Housing Build announced in 2020, the Victorian Government in partnership with community housing providers and developers, will deliver 12,000 new social and affordable homes while generating 10,000 jobs each year over the four year program.

Community Consultation

The provisions of Clause 52.20-4, a streamlined planning provision that applies to Big Housing Build projects, required Housing Choices to consult with the community and other stakeholders before applying for planning approval.

Extensive community consultation had already been undertaken through a City of Greater Geelong planning process. This included feedback from the local community, City of Greater Geelong and other stakeholders. Homes Victoria deemed this consultation feedback sufficient to be included in the application for planning approval under the Big Housing Build.

Consultation report

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