A place to call home: 58 new affordable family homes in Bellfield

Published on 24 November 2023

A new social housing project providing 58 new safe, secure and affordable homes for people in priority need of housing opened in Bellfield today.

The $22 million apartment building project is a partnership between Banyule Council, Launch Housing and Homes Victoria, showing that that local government, state government and community housing providers can work quickly in providing solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

Construction of the Bellfield apartment block commenced in late 2021 and all homes have been allocated, with many new residents already moving in.

We played a key leadership role in imagining the project and providing the land on a 50-year peppercorn lease. After calling for expressions of interest from community housing providers, we chose Launch Housing to manage the project. Homes Victoria contributed $18.61 million through the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build.

Launch Housing is working with us and local community services to ensure a close connection between the new residents and the services they need. The new residential building is adjacent to Bellfield Community Hub, which opened just a year ago and has a range of services and facilities including maternal and child health, aged care programs and a kindergarten.

Kylie’s story

Kylie got the keys to her apartment at Bellfield two weeks ago and is settling into her forever home.

“I was really down before moving in here. It’s been the only thing I’ve ever wished for – to have my own home. I’ve never had anything like this before.”

Three years ago, Kylie left an abusive household with just a few items of clothing. She spent a year in motels, and then two more in emergency housing before moving into Bellfield.

“Those places were just a place to live, it was just a roof over my head. This is my home – my safe home. My mental health now that I’m here, it’s good. I haven’t been sick in a while either. I’ve been so excited since I got here – I’ve hardly slept, but in a good way. I’ve been setting up my space.”

Quote from the Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing

“We are so proud to partner with Launch Housing and the City of Banyule – to deliver 58 modern, accessible and energy efficient homes for Victorians.

“We know there is no more important issue than housing right now, which is why we’re working harder than ever to give more people a place to call home than ever before.”

Quote from Launch Housing CEO Bevan Warner

“Housing is a basic human right. In the last year, Launch Housing delivered housing support services for more than 14,000 Melburnians at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

“Our mission is to end homelessness in Melbourne, and providing affordable homes for people on low incomes means fewer households at risk of homelessness.

“As a developer of housing, Launch Housing is pleased to be able to help our clients move from homelessness to permanent housing. Launch Housing is a trusted pair of hands in delivering permanent and innovative housing solutions.

“We thank the City of Banyule for taking the leadership in making the land available, and the Victorian Government for the funding under the Big Housing Build. We stand ready to partner with governments of all levels to deliver more affordable housing solutions for Melbourne.”

Quote from Mayor of City of Banyule, Cr Tom Melican

“I am proud that Banyule Council had the foresight to imagine this project and the initiative to make it happen.

“Now, 58 people and families have a comfortable and secure place to call home and the services they need in easy reach.

“We are grateful to the Victorian Government and Launch Housing for their support and expertise. Together we have shown it is possible to find genuine solutions that make a real difference to vulnerable families in our community.”

Media contact: Rebecca Nicholson 0447 964 899