Partnering to deliver 39 new social housing homes in Brunswick
Unison is pleased to announce that works are underway at Wilkinson Street, Brunswick. To mark this milestone, Unison CEO James King was joined by Victorian Minister for Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts Nick Staikos, Merri-bek City Council Mayor Natalie Abboud and Merri-Bek Affordable Housing Ltd Deputy Chair Peter Hansen for a sod turn ceremony.
Developed by Unison with funding from Homes Victoria, and financing provided by Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV), the $25.5 million project will deliver 39 new social housing homes in the heart of Brunswick. The project has been made possible through the transfer of Merri-bek City Council land via Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd (MAH), demonstrating the value of partnerships between state government, local government and the community housing sector in unlocking social and affordable housing across Victoria.
Project Snapshot
The development comprises 39 social housing apartments across six storeys, including 20 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom homes. Once built, it will provide secure, long-term homes for people who cannot afford the private rental market, including families, elderly people, single women, people with a disability and individuals at risk of homelessness.
Built by Brompton Construction and designed by MGS Architects, the building incorporates sustainability features including a 7.5 star NatHERS rating and communal outdoor spaces. Together, these features support a development that is both environmentally sustainable and well-integrated into the neighbourhood, delivering long-term social and economic benefits for residents and the broader community.
Quotes
James King, CEO Unison Housing
“Unison’s mission is to collaborate to create vibrant and sustainable communities. The Wilkinson Street, Brunswick development reflects this goal. We are committed to working with government partners to increase the supply of homes for people who are at risk of homelessness.
Funded by Homes Victoria and Unison, with financing provided by Treasury Corporation of Victoria and enabled through the transfer of council-owned land, this project is testament to the value of partnerships in tackling the housing crisis. Together, we are delivering much-needed homes to support the Merri-bek community.”
Natalie Abboud, Mayor Merri-bek City Council
“Merri-bek Council is proud to play a key role in making this important housing project a reality. By contributing underutilised council land, we’ve helped turn an idea into secure homes for people who need them most. This development reflects our commitment to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our community and shows what’s possible when councils, the state government, and community organisations work together. It’s a wonderful addition to Brunswick and a model for how partnership and innovation can deliver real outcomes for our residents.”
Kerry O’Neill, Chair, Merri-bek Affordable Housing Ltd
“Merri-bek Affordable Housing is delighted to be working in partnership with Unison Housing, Homes Victoria and Merri-bek Council to develop 39 new affordable housing units for people on low incomes in central Brunswick, close to transport, jobs and services. This project is an example of how MAH brokers partnerships to develop more affordable housing on underutilised land in the city of Merri-bek. We believe strongly that access to safe, secure affordable housing is a fundamental underpinning to community wellbeing and strong local economies.”
About Unison Housing: Unison Housing is a community housing provider delivering affordable homes across Melbourne’s north and west, and Geelong. In addition to housing, we provide homelessness services and deliver award-winning developments, with a focus on building connected and thriving communities.
Contact: communications@unison.org.au
