Preferred bidder for green redevelopment of Carlton announced

The preferred bidder for the $260 million redevelopment of the Carlton Public Housing Estate has been announced by the Housing Minister Richard Wynne.

The redevelopment will be the largest and most environmentally sustainable public housing redevelopment in Victoria's history, and will deliver 240 new public and social apartments and 500 additional new private homes as a new mixed community in inner Melbourne.

The 'zero carbon' development is the first project of its kind in Victoria and will incorporate leading edge environmentally sustainable features such as solar and wind energy, grey water recycling and a minimum six star energy rating.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said a joint venture between Australand Carlton Pty Ltd with St Hilliers Carlton Pty Ltd would partner the State Government to deliver the multi-million dollar redevelopment.

The redevelopment will replace 192 outdated walk-up flats across three sites and 7.5 hectares with the State Government investing around $80 million and the developer contributing around $180 million. It is estimated the redevelopment will help create over 850 direct jobs over the life of the project.

According to Mr Wynne the Australand and St Hilliers bid was the strongest because of the proposed quality and design of the new housing and community areas, plans to deliver the project over stages and the leading edge environmental standards.

Mr Wynne said, "The Director of Housing, has signed the Heads of Agreement with Australand and St Hilliers and the next steps will now be the final Development Agreement and to apply for stage 1 planning approval."

"These major areas of Carlton will be revitalised into vibrant community precincts with new public parks, a community garden and pedestrian and bicycle pathways. A new community health and aged care centre will also provide aged care services and accommodation."

Read the full media release.