Carlton precinct

The Carlton social housing precinct is located across 2 sites in the heart of Carlton, along Lygon, Drummond, Elgin and Nicholson streets. The original high-rise towers were built between 1965 and 1968.

The Carlton local housing office is located at 480 Lygon Street.

Precinct status

Residents at 141 Nicholson Street and 20 Elgin Street were relocated in 2024 and demolition of these buildings is now complete, making way for the construction of the new Elgin Towers.

Construction of the new Elgin Towers will start in 2026, with people moving into their new homes in 2028.

When complete, all former residents will be invited to return to the new homes.

The social housing high-rise towers at Drummond and Lygon streets will be part of future redevelopment in the precinct.

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What's happening in the precinct

What does the Big Housing Build mean for residents in social housing high-rise neighbourhoods?

This is Australia’s largest urban renewal project with a pipeline of projects between now and 2051. It will transform Melbourne’s high-rise social housing neighbourhoods, redeveloping 44 ageing high-rises and other buildings with modern, accessible and energy efficient homes and improved community facilities. Once completed, there will be at least 10% more social housing for Victorians who need it and more homes close to schools, services, transport and jobs.

This is a long-term project that will happen in careful stages. When it’s time to move, residents are given plenty of notice and help from our relocations team to find a suitable new home. This includes homes in your neighbourhood if you choose.

When new homes are built residents have the right to return to their neighbourhood based on their ongoing eligibility, needs and suitability of the new homes. You can also choose to stay in your new home if that suits you better at the time.

Learn more about the relocations process