Essex Street, Prahran
We’re redeveloping the Essex Street site in Prahran, together with our not-for-profit project partner Building Communities, including the builder ICON.
The project is replacing 63 older-style dwellings with a mix of 155 new social, affordable rental, market rental and specialist disability homes, bringing a 37% uplift in social housing to the site.
New homes at Essex Street will be delivered through a Ground Lease Model, a partnership approach to housing delivery. Under a Ground Lease Model, Homes Victoria leases the land to the not-for profit project partner Building Communities to finance, design, build, manage and maintain the new homes on the site for a 40-year term.
This means the land and homes always remain in public ownership and are returned to Homes Victoria after 40 years.
The project will be completed from late 2026 as part of the Victorian Government’s investment into social and affordable housing.

Project timeline
December 2021
2021-2023
Late 2024
Late 2026
Project update
Construction of the new homes is underway and on track for delivery from late 2026.
Once the new homes are completed, they will be managed by one of Victoria’s leading not-for-profit community housing organisations, Community Housing (Vic) Limited (CHL).
Find out about community engagement events, new designs and works updates as they become available.
Frequently asked questions
What will be built on the site?
Will the new homes be environmentally friendly?
What will the new homes look like?
Who will live in the future homes at the site?
Will previous renters at the site be able to return?
Who will manage the homes?
What community consultation has taken place?
What is the Ground Lease Model?
Who is Building Communities?
Get in touch
To contact Homes Victoria about the Essex Street, Prahran redevelopment project, please email us at southyarra@homes.vic.gov.au
If you have any questions or concerns about works underway at Essex Street, please contact the builder ICON on their 24-hour hotline or email address