Wilkinson St, Brunswick
Builder: Brompton Construction
Architect: MGS Architects
Investment partners: Homes Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV)
Project partners: Merri-bek City Council and Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd
A groundbreaking partnership to address housing need in Brunswick
Developed by Unison Housing and funded by Homes Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV), the $25.5 million Wilkinson Street development will provide 39 new homes in the heart of Brunswick.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Merri-bek City Council and Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd, and has been enabled through the transfer of council-owned land to support the delivery of more social and affordable housing in the City of Merri-bek.
Once complete, the development will be tenanted by social housing residents including families, elderly people, single women, people with a disability, and those at risk of homelessness.
Project status
Brompton Construction has been appointed as the builder for the development and commenced works in August 2026. The project is expected to be completed by early 2028.
Property features
39 homes
6-storeys
20 x 1-bedroom
19 x 2-bedrooms
274 sqm of Small Office/Home Office space
240 sqm of communal open space
Project snapshot
$25.5M development
Funded by Homes Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV), with land contribution valued at $4.6m from Merri-bek City Council through Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd.
39 apartments
Across 6-storeys, comprising of 20 one‑bedroom and 19 two‑bedroom homes.
274 sqm of SOHO space
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) space spread across 4 tenancies to support residents working from home or running a small business.
240 sqm of communal open space
A Level 3 south‑facing podium terrace and a rooftop terrace, along with deep soil planting along the northern boundary.
7.5 NatHERS rating
Reflecting sustainable design, including a rooftop condenser servicing all apartments.
39 resident bicycle spaces
Along with 6 visitor bicycle spaces, facilitating more eco-friendly commuting.
About the project
The Wilkinson Street, Brunswick, development represents a unique collaboration between Unison, Homes Victoria, Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV), Merri‑bek City Council and Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd, working together to deliver much‑needed homes that meet the needs of the Merri-bek community. The project is funded by Homes Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV), and built on land donated by Merri-bek City Council through Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd.
What is the history of the project?
In response to community feedback highlighting the need for more social and affordable housing in the Merri‑bek area, Merri-bek City Council has enabled this project by transferring the former Wilkinson Street car park site to Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd at no cost. Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd is a charitable not‑for‑profit organisation established by Council with the express purpose of providing affordable housing within the municipality. In November 2025, the project’s funding agreement was novated to Unison, who is acting as manager and developer of the site.
Timeline
June 2021 – Council begins process
Merri-bek City Council announces its intention to sell the 2–12 Wilkinson Street, Brunswick car park to Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation established by MCC to deliver more social and affordable housing.
July–August 2021 – Community consultation
Council seeks community feedback, with strong support expressed for more affordable housing locally.
17 August 2021 – Submissions heard
Community members present views at a Hearing of Submissions.
8 September 2021 – Council approves transfer
Council votes to transfer the land to Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd with binding requirements ensuring long-term affordable and social housing. The land is transferred at no cost to maximise community benefit.
November 2024 – Planning permit approved
The Victorian Minister for Planning approves development of 39 social housing dwellings.
24 March 2025 – Car park closed
The Wilkinson Street, Brunswick car park is decommissioned.
April 2025 – Site preparation begins
Early works begin, progressing the site toward construction.
November 2025 – Project novated to Unison Housing
The project’s funding agreement, originally awarded to Haven Home Safe in November 2024, is novated to Unison, now acting as the developer and long‑term manager of the site.
January 2026 – Unison-led stakeholder engagement initiated
Unison assumes responsibility for project communications and engagement.
June 2026 – Unison partners with Brompton Construction
Brompton Construction is contracted as the builder for the project.
September 2026 – Construction commences
Main construction works commence at Wilkinson Street, Brunswick.
Additional information
For additional information about the history of the project, including research reports, submissions, planning permits and related documents, visit Merri-bek City Council’s website.
Who is involved in this project and what do they do?
Unison is the developer of this project and will own and operate the homes once completed, providing tenancy management and supporting residents to remain housed and connected to their community. We will coordinate updates about the project via Unison’s website, onsite signage, and letterbox notifications to neighbouring residents. Unison is a registered Victorian community housing organisation. Our project partners include:
- Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd is the landowner, established by Council to facilitate long‑term affordable housing for the Merri-bek community.
- Merri‑bek City Council donated the land (via transfer to Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd) and, along with Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd, will continue to support stakeholder and community engagement at key milestones.
- Homes Victoria funds the project and provides program oversight consistent with funding requirements, including monitoring milestones and alignment with state objectives.
- Brompton Construction is delivering the build, with MGS Architects leading the design as part of the construction team.
- Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV) is providing the financing for the project through the Affordable Housing Investments Program.
How was this development funded?
Wilkinson Street, Brunswick has been made possible through the contributions and support of multiple partners. The $25.5 million development is being delivered by Unison and was funded by Homes Victoria and Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV). Homes Victoria and Unison will also contribute to the ongoing operation of the development over a 30-year period.
The land, valued at approximately $4.6 million, was contributed by Merri-bek City Council through Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd, with $1.5 million to be paid by Unison Housing. In 2021, Council transferred the former Wilkinson Street car park site to Merri‑bek Affordable Housing Ltd at no cost to support the delivery of more social and affordable housing in Merri-bek. Unison is contributing equity to the project of up to $3.5 million.
Community impact
Access to safe, secure housing is becoming increasingly difficult for many people across Melbourne. The Wilkinson Street, Brunswick development will provide 39 new social housing homes for people who are unable to access the private rental market, helping address local housing need and supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
How will this project benefit renters and the wider community?
The development will deliver safe, secure homes in a well-connected inner-city location, helping people remain close to jobs, services and support networks. Renters will benefit from on-site tenancy support through Unison, including access to a Place Manager who can assist with housing stability and connections to services such as healthcare and financial support. By increasing the supply of secure, affordable housing, the project will help reduce pressure on the local rental market.
Who will live at Wilkinson Street, Brunswick?
The homes will be allocated to people eligible for social housing through the Victorian Housing Register. This includes people on low incomes who are unable to access suitable housing through the private rental market, Once complete, the development will be tenanted by social housing residents including families, older people, single women, people with a disability, and those at risk of homelessness.
Will the project affect local parking?
There is no onsite car parking. Residents will be encouraged to use nearby public transport, walk or cycle, supported by 39 resident and 6 visitor bicycle spaces. This approach reflects inner‑city living, Brunswick’s strong transport links, and Merri-bek City Council’s sustainability goals.
How will safety be managed?
Unison will implement established safety, property management and community engagement practices used across all its housing sites. The building has been designed with passive surveillance, secure entry systems and high‑quality materials to create a safe environment for both residents and neighbours.
How can I provide feedback or raise concerns?
If you have feedback or a question about the development, you can email communications@unison.org.au or submit feedback through our online form.
Construction information
Brompton Construction has been contracted as the Wilkinson Street, Brunswick development builder. Construction will commence in August 2026, with completion expected in February 2028.
What should I expect during construction?
Construction hours: Standard work hours will be 7am-6pm (Mon-Fri) and 9am-1pm (Sat). Brompton will always try to ensure that nearby residents and businesses experience as little inconvenience as possible but there will be works that may create short-term inconvenience.
Pedestrian & public protection: Site hoarding and fencing will be installed in the project’s early stages, and a protective gantry will be erected as a pedestrian protection measure for footpaths on Rosser and Wilkinson Street when required.
Traffic & parking: Deliveries and construction works will be safely contained within a fenced compound located in the Wilkinson St car park. Traffic management will be implemented to maintain safe access. Alternative arrangements may be required occasionally, and neighbours will be advised accordingly.
Cranes & equipment: A tower crane will be installed within the project. All crane lifts, concrete pours and deliveries will be managed within the designated fenced compound and site boundary.
Will there be disruptions during construction?
Some noise, truck movements, and temporary changes to pedestrian access may occur. Neighbours will receive timely notifications about significant activities.
How will neighbours be kept informed?
Project updates will be shared through:
- Pre-construction letter to neighbours within 150m radius
- Monthly letter detailing construction updates to immediate neighbours within 100m radius
- Updates on this web page
- Onsite signage.
Who do I contact If I have questions or concerns about construction?
If you have any questions, please reach out to the project team using the details below:
Ricky Vassallo, Brompton Site Manager:
P: 0401 193 840
E: hello@brompton.com.au
If you have concerns about construction impacts, you can make a complaint by emailing communications@unison.com.au or submit feedback via our online form.
Complaints and feedback
We welcome your feedback on the Wilkinson Street, Brunswick, development. You can provide feedback or make a complaint via email communications@unison.org.au or through the form below.
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