1 Roberts Street redevelopment

The Office of Housing is redeveloping the public housing estate at 1 Roberts Street Northcote.

This redevelopment will:

• improve the standard of housing and amenities
• improve security
• provide disabled access to all units
• incorporate many environmentally sustainable design elements
• add to the local neighbourhood character

The new building will provide high quality homes for elderly people eligible for public housing.

It is anticipated that the redevelopment will be completed by 2010.

The construction is well progressed. A P M Group have been appointed as the contractor for the construction of the $11.6 million building.

Site clearing and bulk earthworks excavation, retaining walls and the lower ground floor (basement), ground floor slab are complete in readiness for the start of construction of the upper floor levels of the main buildings within the coming months.

Design features

Design consultants Fooks Martin Sandow Anson Architects (FMSA) were appointed in April 2007 to undertake the planning and design of the redevelopment, and will be overseeing construction.

The design reflects the wide-ranging views of the former residents and the community following extensive consultation through the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings chaired by Fiona Richardson MP, Member for Northcote.

The new development comprises 47 x 1 bedroom units and a flexi-room for storage or for temporary carer accommodation, a residents' common room, workshop, and 20 on-site car parking spaces. The building has been designed around a central open space that:

• Provides access to units via open walkways, stairs and lifts
• Provides a semi-private open area for residents
• Maximises natural light for units
• Provides a communal outlook to the public reserve

The units are designed to maximise solar access while minimising overlooking to adjoining properties. Balconies and windows are also designed to minimise the impact of overlooking and noise.

Pedestrians and vehicles will use existing pathways and entry points to the site minimising security issues associated with having multiple access points.

Pedestrian access is from an elevated walkway from High Street and from the ground level Roberts Street. Vehicle access to the building is from Roberts Street via a new crossover. On-site car parking will meet the needs of the elderly and improve residents' security.

Using a security access system, an intercom system and remote access controls to each unit are included. Call button panels will be located at both Roberts Street and High Street pedestrian entries. The security access system will also control the external gates. Two lifts will minimise inconvenience in the event of service or breakdown.

Building facilites

The building will also provide new onsite facilities for residents including:

• a common room
• workshop
• garden
• central courtyard

The common room on the lower ground floor faces both Roberts Street and the public reserve. This location enhances the active street frontage to Roberts Street and the outlook to the park. A common garden alongside the public reserve provides a progression from the semi-private central courtyard to the public reserve.

This garden will be used by resident gardeners. A pedestrian link will allow residents to access the reserve from the garden.

Residents will have convenient access to their letterboxes which will be located within the High Street building entry point.

Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainable design initiatives incorporated into the building include:

• Natural lighting to public spaces
• Cross ventilation for cooling
• On-site rainwater storage and reticulation to supply garden areas, toilet and washing machines
• Solar pre-heating of hot water
• Minimum of 6 star energy rating to all units

Any questions about the demolition can be directed to redevelopment.robertsstreet@dhs.vic.gov.au