Cooling our high rise towers
Improving comfort and liveability
Homes Victoria’s high-rise cooling program is installing air conditioners in public housing towers.
We’re doing this to make sure our residents feel comfortable in their homes until it’s time to relocate as part of our high-rise redevelopment program.
Cooling units are being rolled out in stages in line with priority needs and electrical infrastructure upgrades required to support the operation of air conditioners in high-rise towers.
The program will be completed by the summer of 2026.
Cooling units will not be installed in high-rise sites where residents have already moved or begun to relocate. These sites include North Melbourne, Flemington, Carlton, South Yarra and Richmond.
Timelines and project updates
August 2023 - July 2024
August 2024 – December 2024
January 2025 – June 2026
March 2025 – July 2025
2025 - 2026
For information on the air-conditioner unit, download the High-Rise Cooling Program Brochure and How-to-guide.
If you have more questions, please contact 1800 519 721 or HighRiseCooling@homes.vic.gov.au and they will be able to assist you.
Air conditioning has already been installed at 4 towers in southern Melbourne:
- 150 Victoria Ave, Albert Park
- 150 Inkerman St, St Kilda
- 25 King St, Prahran
- 27 King St, Prahran
These sites were chosen because the electrical infrastructure could support the additional load caused by the installation of the air conditioning units.
The high-rise cooling program is working with power distribution suppliers to ensure all the electrical infrastructure throughout the remaining towers can handle the increased load that will be caused by the installation of the air-conditioning units.
The second stage of installations has begun with units being rolled out at 229 Hoddle Street and 530 Lygon Street. Further high-rise sites will be announced later in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to install a new air conditioner?
What does the installation process involve?
Can residents remain in their home during the installation?
What else can I do to stay cool during hot weather?
Does the program replace any special accommodation requirements for cooling related to medical conditions?
When will my tower have air conditioning installed?
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the program or need an interpreter, please email us and one of our team will be in touch.