Construction has begun on 77 sustainable social housing homes at Marshall Street, Newtown, following Unison Housing’s successful application in Round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF). With funding now secured, this project will help address the growing demand for social housing in the Geelong region.

Not-for-profit community housing provider Unison Housing has appointed Manresa Constructions as the builder.

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 The demolition of the original 22 outdated single-storey units, which were no longer fit for purpose, has been completed, making way for 77 brand-new self-contained apartments.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. It includes:

• 77 self-contained dwellings
• On-site car parking
• A tenancy support office
• A communal space for residents which includes a private garden, BBQ and ‘nature play’ areas for residents
• Secure, bicycle parking facilities for residents and visitors
• High quality landscaping and materials
• Accessible and sustainably designed dwellings

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.

Previous renters have been offered suitable housing during the rebuild period and will be given first option to move into a new home when the build is complete next year.

Quotes attributed to James King, Unison Housing CEO

“With this redevelopment, we will provide modern housing that is fit for purpose and supports the safety and wellbeing of our renters.”

“Unison is recognised for its expertise in delivering well-designed, high-quality homes and for fostering vibrant, sustainable communities that have earned both State and National honours for excellence. Unison provides housing and property services to people from many different walks of life, but they all want to live in a safe, welcoming, and thriving community. With an office space onsite, we are committed to ensuring that renters gain access to the support, resources, and opportunities needed to sustain their housing, create a sense of home, and participate in the wider community.”