Alfie Altona North

Key details

Location
430 Blackshaws Road, Altona North
Bunurong Country

Policy objective
Housing, Urban renewal

Overview

The Alfie residential project in Altona North is a medium-density development delivering diverse and affordable housing in Melbourne’s inner west. Alfie features 127 two, three and four-bedroom townhouses, with 10 per cent of the homes dedicated to affordable housing.

The design of the project pushes the boundaries of traditional forms, to offer adaptability to meet the changing needs of residents in the years to come. Flexible options are catered for with footpaths linking to local community facilities and a central linear park.

Development Victoria’s vision for Alfie was to create a medium density development with a range of affordable and high-quality homes catering for different budgets, lifestyles and needs, while seamlessly integrating into the established suburb of Altona North.

Alfie has been constructed on land formerly owned by the Department of Education and Training and was once home to the Altona Gate Primary School. Following the closure and demolition of the school, the site was declared surplus land and rezoned from Public Use to Residential Growth in January 2017.

2.4ha project area

127 Townhouses

10% HomesVic Shared Equity

Outcomes

127 townhouses, two and three storeys in height, with two to four bedrooms, including a design allowing three generations to live in one home
The homes emphasise high-quality design, and landscaping that enhances the local environment
Open spaces provide pedestrian access through the site to surrounding community facilities
Off-street parking is provided for each property in accordance with Hobsons Bay Council Planning Scheme, in addition to visitor parking
The project addresses affordable housing by offering diverse and affordable housing options

Approach

Development Victoria's vision is to be recognised as a provider of a diverse range of attainable living options.

The design of the Altona North project pushes the boundaries of traditional forms, to offer adaptability to the changing and needs of residents in the years to come.

Flexible options have been catered for through the provision of landscaped pedestrian links and a central linear park, which also provides interactive focal points including shelters, BBQs, playground and seating for residents and the community.

The population of Hobsons Bay is growing and changing

According to Victoria in Future 2016, the population of Hobsons Bay is expected to rise to 109,442 in 2031.

The area needed a supply of new housing to meet the growing and diverse needs of the community.

Housing diversity and affordability is an issue for many Victorians.

This project implemented a number of strategies to address housing affordability, including:

Approximately 10% of the total homes were offered as part of the HomesVic Shared Equity initiative, supporting first home buyers to realise their dream of home ownership
The majority of homes were sold to the private market below the median house price in the suburb.

2017

Following community engagement, a master plan was lodged with Hobsons Bay City Council
The master plan was approved by Council followed by the first of three planning permits lodged by Development Victoria

2018

All planning permits approved by Hobsons Bay City Council
Sales for the project commenced
Civil construction works commenced

2019

First stage of civil construction completed
Townhouse construction Stage 1 commenced

2020

Civil construction for Stage 2 & 3 completed

2021

Settlements of Stage 1 homes commenced
Construction of Central Park commenced
Townhouse construction began in Stage 2
Settlement of Stage 2 homes commenced

2022

Stages 1 & 2 of Central Park opened

2023

Settlement of Stage 3 homes commenced
Stage 3 of Central Park completed and opened

Location

The Altona North development is located at 430 Blackshaws Road, Altona North.

Development Victoria acknowledges the Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the land now.

Community

Community engagement activities were held in May 2017, to inform the community about the proposed development works, and to ensure all potential risks to the project are understood and addressed.

The process featured two community information sessions, supported by information on Development Victoria’s website, social media and newspaper advertising, a letterbox drop and briefings to Hobsons Bay councillors and executive.

Key issues raised by the community included: