Make Room provides health, housing, and cultural support in Melbourne’s CBD, creating a unique space for those in need
In a landmark Australian first, the City of Melbourne and Unison Housing have successfully converted a Council building into supportive housing. The Make Room project, located at 602 Little Bourke Street, will provide 50 studio apartments for vulnerable residents. This initiative aims to offer both housing stability and essential support services, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and cultural sensitivity.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece hailed the project as a life-changing endeavour, saying, “Today is a landmark day for everyone in our community – there’s no doubt that Make Room will change lives and save lives. We have set a new standard for supportive transitional housing in Victoria and a new standard for the adaptive reuse of public buildings to deliver good quality housing.”
The building includes 24/7 front desk security, onsite health support, independent living skills assistance, and a rooftop garden. A dedicated space for social enterprises adds to the community-oriented design. The project’s design and service model were co-created with individuals who have lived experience of homelessness, ensuring the accommodation meets the diverse needs of future residents. As Mayor Reece noted, “Melbourne is a city that cares, and nothing says that more than what we have accomplished at Make Room. We are truly a fair, inclusive, and supportive city.”
Tenanting will begin in mid-January 2025, with residents staying for up to 12 months or until they secure permanent housing. The space also includes a floor dedicated to women who have experienced family violence or sexual assault, as well as a space for individuals from the LGBTIQ+ community. “Everyone deserves to have a safe roof over their head and a place to call home – this is a remarkable achievement in delivering supported housing right in the heart of Melbourne,” said Councillor Gladys Liu, Head of the Community, Health, and City Services portfolio.
The project was a collaborative effort, with support from the Victorian Government, cohealth, and Ngwala Willumbong, along with philanthropic and corporate partners. Minister for Housing Harriet Shing expressed her support, stating, “We know that supportive housing projects like Make Room provide life-changing outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Providing a safe place to sleep and access to tailored support services is the first step in making that a reality.”
Unison Housing CEO James King highlighted the importance of collaboration, remarking, “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when both local and state government come together with community housing and philanthropic partners. The real test now lies in achieving meaningful outcomes for our city’s most vulnerable through Unison’s onsite tenancy management and cohealth’s wraparound support.”
Additionally, Make Room will display four expressive artworks by Aboriginal artists Matthew Harris and Mitch Mahoney. These artworks, including panels inspired by wind movement and a mural telling the saltwater story of narrm, reflect the project’s commitment to cultural safety. “Ngwala Willumbong is looking forward to being part of this new initiative in ensuring cultural safety and guidance to our community members engaged in the Make Room project,” said Ngwala Willumbong CEO De-Joel Upkett.
Make Room represents a unique model of supported housing that combines stable accommodation with access to essential services, fostering a pathway for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable individuals to regain their independence and stability. Cohealth CEO Nicole Bartholomeusz echoed the project’s transformative impact, saying, “We know that a home is more than just four walls—it’s a foundation for health, safety, and opportunity.”
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