Project update: August, 2025
Construction is now underway on 77 sustainable social housing homes at Marshall Street, Newtown. This project was made possible through Unison Housing’s successful application in Round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), helping to meet the growing demand for social housing in the Geelong region. In addition to recent HAFFF funding, the $48.59 million project is supported by a capital grant from Homes Victoria, as part of the State Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.
Unison appointed Manresa Constructions as the project builder, following an extensive planning and consultation process.
These homes will provide much-needed support for people experiencing housing stress in the City of Greater Geelong.
The demolition of the original 22 outdated single-storey units, which were no longer fit for purpose, has been completed, making way for 77 brand-new self-contained apartments. The high-quality, sustainable housing has been designed to enhance the safety and wellbeing of renters.
Timeline
- Development started: 2025
- Development due for completion: Early 2027
Fast facts
- 77 new self-contained apartments replacing 22 outdated units at 2–12 Marshall Street, Newtown
- Construction commenced 2025, led by Manresa Constructions
- Funded by the $10B Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFFF) and the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build
- Includes a tenancy support office, secure on-site car and bicycle parking, communal garden, BBQ area, and nature play space
- Sustainable and accessible design to support long-term wellbeing and safety of residents
- Existing renters supported during redevelopment and offered first choice to return upon completion in 2027
Funding
The Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) is a Federal Government funding initiative administered by Housing Australia to support the availability of 30,000 new social homes and 10,000 new affordable homes across Australia over a 5-year period, including housing to support acute housing needs.
In addition to recent HAFFF funding, the $48.59 million project is supported by a capital grant from Homes Victoria, as part of the State Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.
Property features
- 77 new homes in total
- 49 one bedroom apartments
- 16 two bedroom apartments
- 12 three bedroom apartments
- Includes three adaptable DDA apartments
- Certified 4-star Green Star building
- 7-star NatHERS rating (National House Energy Rating Scheme)
- All electric apartments
- Roof-top solar panels to reduce building operating costs
- Designed in line with Housing Design Guidelines
- Gold-level Livable Housing Design
Design Principles
The Marshall Street redevelopment has been thoughtfully designed to reflect design principles that prioritise livability, inclusion, and neighbourhood integration:
- Contextual Development: Located to maximise access to public transport and employment, supporting higher-density living where it makes sense.
- Familiarity and Community: Streets and buildings adopt a conventional character, blending seamlessly with the surrounding neighbourhood and fostering shared spaces.
- Neighbourliness: The design protects neighbouring amenity, ensuring access to sunlight, privacy, and visual harmony.
- Livable and Adaptable Homes: Homes are energy-efficient, comfortable, and designed to support people of all abilities and changing household needs.
- Sense of Place: Landscaping and site features enhance the local character and create a welcoming environment.
- Safe and Active Streets: Public spaces are safe, legible, and encourage walking and cycling through well-connected paths and facilities.
- Diversity: A mix of housing types promotes social inclusion and reflects the needs of the broader community.
Community Consultation
Unison worked with an independent community engagement specialist to develop and deliver a Strategic Engagement Plan for this project.
The engagement program included:
- Online and in-person community consultation
- Stakeholder workshops
- Data collection and analysis
- A formal Consultation Report prepared for the State Government
The consultation process ran from May 2022 to October 2023, with a detailed program of community engagement activities between April and October 2023.
A formal Consultation Report was submitted with the planning application for consideration by the Minister for Planning under Clause 52.20 of the Planning Scheme.