Locals to benefit from fully funded Launch Bellfield Housing Development

Low to moderate income earners in the Bellfield/Heidelberg West community will be able to stay connected to their community with access to safe and affordable housing, now that the Victorian Government has given the green-light to help fund the $24M Bellfield Social Housing Project.

Built on land owned by the City of Banyule, the Bellfield project is being developed by Launch Housing, which will also manage the property having secured the 50-year ground lease after a competitive process undertaken by Council in 2020.

Funding has been secured from the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build’s Social Housing Growth Fund and will enable construction to start in December 2021, subject to planning and building approvals, and tenants to move in mid-2023.

Launch Housing secured the project with an innovative and inspirational design from ARM Architects which will deliver a sustainable building, showcasing best practice affordable housing. Up to 58 dwellings will be constructed over four levels. The building will have generous indoor and outdoor communal spaces for residents, basement carparking and sit next to the relocated Community Garden and Bellfield Community Hub which is being built.

The delivery of social housing at Bellfield is specifically designed to keep low to moderate income earners connected to their community and enable them to have the assurance and security of somewhere safe and affordable to live.

In addition, the Launch Housing development provides well targeted economic stimulus, delivering both social benefits and creating jobs.

The environmental benefits of this project, designed to lower the living costs for residents and reduce the environmental impact of the development, include an innovative timber structure that will reduce the development’s embodied carbon, a solar PV panel array on the roof and a recyclable façade system that will help achieve a 7.5 NatHERS rating.

Quotes attributable to Bevan Warner, Launch Housing CEO

“We’re delighted to have confirmed funding from the Victorian Government to support us to build and manage this project. Ending homelessness begins with secure and affordable housing and this project will make a difference by increasing housing stock in the north eastern suburbs.

“This project is an example of the way in which collaboration between State and Local Government and the housing sector can deliver results for people and communities who are facing the third most expensive housing market in the world.”

Quotes attributable to Banyule Council Mayor Cr Rick Garotti

“This Council facilitated project will make a real difference to our community by providing secure and affordable housing, delivering an environmentally sustainable designed building which integrates with the new 6-star green-star Bellfield Community Hub and community garden, and market housing.

“We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Launch Housing, and thank the Victorian Government for their contribution. This pocket of Bellfield will become a thriving community with services and facilities on their door step and a beautiful place to call home.”

Media contact: David Imber on 0413 274 204.