This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Victorian government is supporting the delivery of thousands of homes across Melbourne’s Arden Precinct and Box Hill.
In the Arden Precinct, expressions of interest are open for the private sector, industry and investors to partner with the government and unlock thousands more homes and develop the 13.5-hectare government-owned land parcel in the precinct.
By 2051 Arden, which sits just 2km out from the CBD, is forecast to be home to up to 20,000 people.
The Victorian government had previously anticipated the Arden precinct – comprising about 45 hectares of largely rezoned industrial land located between Macaulay Road, the Upfield rail line, Moonee Ponds Creek and Dryburgh Street in North Melbourne – will accommodate 15,000 residents, with 34,000 people working in the area by 2050.
As per the government’s Housing Statement, a minimum of 10% of the housing on government land will be affordable housing.
“Arden plays a key role in delivering much needed housing in Melbourne as we get on with delivering 800,000 new homes in Victoria over the next decade as part of our landmark Housing Statement,” said Colin Brooks, minister for precincts.
With priority to be given to proposals with affordable housing for diverse residents and key workers, including options for affordable, build-to-rent, build-to-sell, shared equity, and key worker housing.
“This precinct will provide much-needed housing for our local workforce, especially healthcare workers, ensuring they can live close to their workplaces and enjoy everything Arden has to offer,” said Sheena Watt, member for Northern Metropolitan Region.
Back in May, the state government scrapped its $5 billion plans to build new campuses of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital around the new Arden Metro Tunnel train station.
Meanwhile, the Allan government has given the green light to a major development in Box Hill to bring more than 1,000 homes to the area.
The now approved Box Hill Central North Masterplan will see the delivery of a $1.57 billion project comprising 1,700 homes including 10% affordable housing across seven multi-storey buildings.
“With Melbourne’s population set to be the size of London by 2050, we’re pulling every lever we can to ensure we can get thousands of new homes for Victorians off the ground faster – where they want to live,” said Sonya Kilkenny, minister for planning.
The Box Hill Central North Masterplan site will redevelop the site into a mixed-use precinct, featuring a new civic plaza, public open space and new pedestrian and bike paths within a landscaped setting.
The development was submitted as part of the Government’s Development Facilitation Program.
“Box Hill is one of our fastest growing communities and this project will bring more than 1,700 new homes right next to the Suburban Rail Loop – helping us deliver more homes close to jobs, services and great public transport,” added Kilkenny.
