What you need to know
The State Government's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working on a project to renew the Ascot Vale Housing Estate with a mix of social and private homes.
Stage one
The homes located at 24 to 42 Dunlop Avenue have been identified as the first stage of this renewal project.
The housing estate renewal will be delivered over numerous stages,
An application for planning permit to demolish the existing dwellings and create new residences has been lodged with Council. (Note that Council is the Responsible Authority for this application under the Planning and Environment Act 1987)
The Ascot Vale Estate is being renewed as part of the Victorian Government’s largest ever investment into public housing renewal. The renewal program will replace ageing public housing with brand new, sustainable homes and will increase the amount of housing available on the site.
The estate contains 'walk-up' older public housing buildings that are rundown and have high ongoing maintenance costs. Without lifts, the accommodation is inaccessible to people with mobility issues, families with small children and older Victorians. The redevelopment of the estate will bring benefits to the returning and new residents including improved safety and security, better community facilities and improved infrastructure.
All current estate residents have the right to return to the renewed estate after construction is complete. The Department of Health and Human Services will work closely with every resident to support them through the transition to alternate homes for the duration of the construction. Residents also have the opportunity to remain in their new location if they choose to do so. Larger families are being supported to return to the renewed estate through the provision of flexible sized homes.
Future stages
The remainder of Ascot Vale will occur at a later stage by DHHS. This will require an Amendment to be prepared to the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme, by DHHS. This will ultimately be considered by the Minister for Planning who has appointed an independent Social Housing Renewal Standing Advisory Committee. This Committee will provide advice on the suitability of the planning proposals to renew and redevelop the public housing estate.
Consultative Committee
To assist in consideration of key issues a Consultative Committee has been established for the Ascot Vale Estate as a key avenue for community and stakeholder involvement in the project. The Consultative Committee will assist the project team by:
- ensuring effective communication arrangements are established with interested and affected residents, businesses, service providers and interest groups;
- ensuring that residents, individuals and groups affected by the project have opportunities to participate and provide feedback in its development;
- providing a local perspective on project issues, particularly in relation to minimising impact on residents and local communities; and
- providing input into the development and implementation of the project.
The Consultative Committee will be chaired by Danny Pearson MP.