Virginia Hill, Bendigo

• Public open spaces that enhance the surrounding neighbourhood and create a strong sense of community and connection among residents.
• Energy-efficient design and features so homes are more comfortable and less expensive to heat and cool.
• Smart design choices that enable future flexibility and adaptability of the homes. All new homes will have a minimum Silver rating as per Liveable Housing Australia guidelines.
• 5% of the new social housing homes will be designed to meet the needs of Victorians with disabilities. These homes will include accessible kitchens, bathrooms and storage areas, as well as wheelchair-friendly drop-off areas, paths, lifts and car parking.

Previous renters who moved to alternative housing will be given the opportunity to return to their neighbourhood based on their eligibility, needs and suitability of the new homes. The remaining social homes will be allocated through the Victorian Housing Register to people most in need of housing.

The affordable homes will be allocated to people through Homes Victoria’s Affordable Program. The program aims to help Victorian renters on low-to-moderate incomes to access high quality and secure housing at an affordable rent. The affordable homes will be rented under 3-year fixed-term rental agreements to give renters more security.