Elsie Lange
Twelve modern social housing units could be on the way to Lancefield.
Macedon Ranges council is proposing to build a 12-unit development in partnership with Homes Victoria and Wintringham Housing Limited, including upgrading existing social housing stock.
Funded through the Big Housing Build, the $5.3 million project would have five existing units demolished to make way for the new buildings across two council-owned blocks of land totalling about 3700 square metres.
The proposed development would grant a 20 year site lease and oversight to Wintringham Housing Limited. The Victorian-based not-for-profit welfare company specialises in housing and care of older people and currently take care of all housing units on behalf of council.
“As a first step in this process, council is advertising a Notice of Intention to Lease the site to Wintringham for a 20-year term and welcomes public feedback on this initial proposal,” council said.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) provides housing support services in the Macedon Ranges – SCCH housing support team manager Justine Maher said the organisation welcomed the proposal.
“This increase to the social housing stock in Lancefield will particularly benefit vulnerable clients in the over 55s age group. Housing affordability for our community’s older generation is a very real and concerning issue, particularly for people living by themselves,” Ms Maher said.
“The rising cost of living is placing increased strain on people which can impact their health and wellbeing and this investment in affordable housing will improve the lives of a number of people in our community.”
Council said three of the five existing units have tenants inside them and these people would be offered accommodation during the build.
Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council had reviewed its existing social housing stock at sites in Gisborne, Romsey and Lancefield before choosing the latter as best suited to redevelopment.
“We’re grateful for this funding and it is an incredibly worthwhile opportunity to provide a safe home to more of our residents who may be doing it tough for a variety of reasons,” she said
“The proposed site at Lancefield is already going some way towards supporting social housing, but this proposal would significantly improve that offering.”
The opportunity to provide feedback is open until Tuesday, February 28.
Details: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/News/Have-Your-Say/New-social-housing-development-for-Lancefield
