22 December 2023

Just went past this massive thing near Elsternwick Park – it’s a redevelopment of old Housing Commission blocks on New Street, Brighton, that’s the usual about half social (with nearly 20% extra), and half market, with a community space in the middle. Unlike other similar sites, the market ones are for rent not sale, and the whole thing is to be managed by the not for profit Community Housing Group (Victoria). But the look of it – like some boring but big 50s Canberra flats, with those gable roofs and pale colours. In fact the repetitive gridded facades with the brickwork forming rectangular panels reminds me of the Commission blocks. I don’t mind the height but it’s just a bit massive looking along the canal. But good there’s a bit more social housing. Image of the community space from Housing Victoria, and apartment plans from Community Housing Group – the rooms are a bit bigger than some private developments, but annoying layout with central lounge dining and all other rooms opening from that, is it space saving ?

• Uncategorized