September 15th, 2025More homes for women and children

More homes for woman and children at risk of homelessness are being made available.

Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing recently marked the ‘topping out’ of a new building on Essex Street, Prahran – celebrating the completion of the main structure before families move in next year.

Once finished, the projects will deliver 155 new, modern and energy efficient homes through a partnership between Homes Victoria and not-for-profit group Building Communities. The homes are replacing 63 outdated homes and the site has a 37 per cent increase in social housing.

Essex Street will include 86 social homes dedicated for women and children experiencing financial instability, homelessness or escaping family violence, managed by Women’s Property Initiative. The remainder of the homes are a mix of affordable and market housing, managed by Community Housing Limited.

The site at Essex Street will have a café, garden and picnic area, and is close to trams along both Malvern Road and High Street, as well as schools, jobs and services.

The project is being delivered under the innovative Ground Lease Model, with Homes Victoria leasing the land to Building Communities to build, manage and maintain the homes for 40 years while the land remains in public ownership.