Housing Choices Australia Annual Report 2024

Property development projects

Shiel Street represents a $39.9 million investment in the future of social housing. In partnership with Homes Victoria, we developed a community housing model that addresses the urgent need for social housing and enhances the surrounding urban landscape. This major policy lever project included regular consultations with the City of Melbourne, government bodies such as the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Oce of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA), as well as local community members to ensure the building met the needs of its future residents and the surrounding area. Funding for the 78 architect-designed dwellings consisted of a Rapid Grants Round capital grant under the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build as well as equity from Housing Choices and debt from the Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV). The design team—comprising Claire Cousins Architects, Tract Consultants, and Kate Patterson Landscape Architects—shaped the nine-level building that includes 45 one-bedroom, 31 two-bedroom, and two three-bedroom apartments, along with car and bicycle parking facilities.

Shiel Street also achieved a Silver Design recognition from Livable Housing Australia, 5-Star Green Star certification, and a 7-Star NatHERS rating. Housing Choices managed the Shiel Street project from finance and site acquisition, to design, construction, and risk mitigation. We integrated community initiatives and now oer comprehensive tenancy and asset management through an onsite oce, showcasing our expertise in delivering successful, balanced outcomes through hands-on, end-to-end project management. The new homes provide long-term, secure housing to more than 100 applicants from the Victorian Housing Register, including those aged over 55 and people experiencing homelessness. We also partnered with Aboriginal Housing Victoria, who were successful in securing funding through the Homes for Aboriginal Victorians Round to acquire 11 of the apartments. All other apartments will remain in Housing Choices' ownership, ensuring continued investment in community welfare.

SHIEL STREET NORTH MELBOURNE

In March 2024, we completed our Shiel Street project in North Melbourne, Victoria, a shining example of our commitment to delivering social housing that combines sustainability with exceptional quality. This transformative development fosters vibrant communities through environmentally conscious design, eective placemaking and stakeholder collaboration.

30 | Housing Choices Australia

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