Planning approvals have been confirmed for the 104 social and affordable homes being built in Stage 1 of the Bell-Bardia estate redevelopment in Heidelberg West, funded by the Federal and State Labor Governments.

The State Government’s Big Housing Build and the Australian Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Program have each contributed $27.5 million, supporting the construction of new homes in the area.

In June 2023, the Australian Government announced a $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator to deliver thousands of new and refurbished social homes across Australia, permanently increasing the national stock of social housing. This initiative is expected to provide around 4,000 homes for Australians on social housing waiting lists.

Located just 10 km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, the Bell-Bardia estate is well-connected to public transport, education facilities, the Austin Hospital, and key destinations such as Darebin Creek and Northland Shopping Centre.

The site previously housed 94 public homes, which were demolished to make way for modern, high-quality housing. Stage 1 will transform the eastern side of the site with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

The development will also feature landscaped green spaces, an outdoor barbecue area, and seating areas, providing future residents with a welcoming and vibrant community environment.

Kate Thwaites and Labor are investing in local housing, including the Bell-Bardia redevelopment and 642 new homes in Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Rosanna, and Greensborough, funded through the Housing Australia Future Fund. Labor is also expanding the Help to Buy scheme, creating more opportunities for first-home buyers to enter the market.

In contrast, the Coalition has opposed local housing investments, making it harder for first-home buyers and our community to get ahead.

Renders of the completed Bell-Bardia Estate Stage 1 development.