Epsom Street Affordable Housing Project
Council purchased the site in 2014 for the purpose of open space and affordable housing. Curlew Community Park was opened in 2019. This project continues the implementation of Council’s masterplan for the site and would see residential development at the northern and southern ends of 7–45 Epsom Street, Laverton. Through this project, Council aims to provide opportunities for people on lower incomes with a connection to Hobsons Bay to access housing that is rent capped at a proportion of their income.
Following public consultation in early 2022, Council endorsed revised Design Guidelines(PDF, 4MB) that will inform the look and feel of any future development. The guidelines incorporate community input, including requirements relating to building height (three to four storeys maximum), dwelling density, car parking, vehicle access, and connections with the much-loved Curlew Community Park. Council has also prepared a ‘What We Heard’ report(PDF, 100KB) which summarises the results of the community consultation.
If the project is funded and progresses, further consultation will be undertaken with the local community. The project will be managed and maintained by Housing Choices Australia (HCA) who are the Trustees of the Hobsons Bay Affordable Housing Trust. HCA are one of the largest community housing providers in Australia. Council will continue to work closely with HCA on future stages of the project, including further community consultation.
For more information, please contact Council’s Sustainable Communities Project Lead on 1300 179 944 or at socialplanning@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
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