The Allan Labor Government is freeing up more land for housing across Melbourne’s established suburbs, with new sites in Brighton, Camberwell, and Preston joining the state’s Small Sites Program.
Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing said the move will open the door for hundreds of medium-density homes close to public transport, schools, and jobs. “We’re unlocking more land to deliver more homes for Victorian families in established suburbs,” Ms Shing said.
The program now includes 14 parcels of government-owned land, with the latest additions comprising two sites in Brighton—29 Lindsay Street and 1 Marion Street—one in Camberwell at 714 Burke Road, and two adjoining blocks at 28A and 30A Jessie Street in Preston. Together, they are expected to yield around 700 new homes, with at least 10 per cent earmarked as affordable housing.
An Expression of Interest process opens tomorrow for developers with experience in medium-density housing to submit proposals.
The Small Sites Program was launched as part of the state’s effort to build more homes in existing urban areas where infrastructure and public transport are already available. The initial four pilot sites were located in Alphington, Malvern, Preston, and Coburg.
Ms Shing said the initiative reflects a broader government strategy to encourage development in well-connected areas. “Every Victorian deserves a roof over their head and a place to call home, and this program opens up more opportunity for homes that are close to jobs, schools, services and the outdoor spaces that families love,” she said.
The newly listed suburbs of North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Camberwell, and Preston all fall within the Train and Tram Zone Activity Centre Program—designed to promote higher-density housing near transport hubs.
By 2051, this framework is projected to support the construction of over 300,000 homes across 50 precincts. Consultation for all proposed centres is expected to conclude by early next year.
For details on the Small Sites Program and current opportunities, visit development.vic.gov.au/projects.
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