Community shapes the designs for new homes at Elgin Towers, Carlton

Planning approval for 248 new homes at Elgin Towers in Carlton marks a major step forward in the high-rise redevelopment program, delivering better quality homes, and improved neighbourhoods across Melbourne. 

Residents and the community have played a key role throughout the planning and design process to shape the outcomes of this project.

At Carlton we heard residents’ hopes for better facilities, safety and security features, ventilation, heating and cooling.

We learnt about the needs of different household types including a mix of bedrooms, storage and balcony designs. 

Importantly, community guided the vision for a renewed neighbourhood with better connections, community facilities and outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by everyone. 

We want to say a big thank you to all the residents, community members, and stakeholders who participated in various community consultations throughout the planning and design process. 

And a special thank you goes to the Carlton Community Consultation Committee (CCC). The Carlton CCC was made up of former residents, neighbours and local service providers. Their commitment to working with and listening to each other throughout the design process has led to a great outcome for the community and future residents.

As a direct result of community input the final design includes:

• 4- and 5-bedroom homes to support a diversity of households
• Improved outdoor spaces with more trees and seating
• Apartments with large bedrooms, ample storage, good ventilation, and balconies, and
• Improved lobby spaces and community activation areas

The changes have been well received, and community members have told us they feel heard, and taken seriously. 

That’s why we’ll keep listening to resident and community voice as we get on with delivering more and better homes for all Victorians as part of the high-rise redevelopment program.

We have received planning approval to deliver more and better public housing at Elgin Towers, Carlton with 248 new apartments.   

The new homes will be modern, accessible, and energy efficient, in a location that is close to shops, parks, transport and services.  

The Australian Government and Victorian Government are partnering to redevelop the Elgin Towers as the initial Victorian project of the Australian Government’s Social Housing Accelerator investment.  

The award-winning firm, Architectus, renowned for their approach to quality design of social housing, has been appointed as the lead architect for Elgin Towers, Carlton.   

Demolition of the vacant buildings is underway, with construction expected to begin by late 2026.