UPDATE: Residents of the Barkly Street public housing tower in Brunswick are facing an uncertain future as Homes Victoria confirms plans to demolish the building by 2051. This announcement has raised urgent concerns among the approximately 110 residents, many of whom are older individuals reliant on the supportive housing environment.
For 70-year-old Terry Martin, living in his sixth-floor flat has been a blessing for the past 17 years. With stunning views and proximity to essential amenities, Martin cherishes his home, stating, “I look at the airport, look at the city. New Year’s Eve, I can see the fireworks.” However, with the state government planning extensive public housing redevelopment, including the demolition of Barkly Street, residents are left in a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
Officials assert that the demolition is necessary as many public housing towers built between the 1950s and 1970s are nearing the end of their lifespan and cannot be renovated. While no immediate relocations are scheduled, the looming demolition raises fears about forced moves away from community ties and essential services. Fiona York, executive officer of the Housing for the Aged Action Group, emphasizes the critical need for stable public housing, especially for older residents who often struggle in the private rental market.
“Moving into this 55-plus public housing is really good for them,” York explains. “It means they can age in place, afford the rent, and maintain a better quality of life.”
The Barkly Street tower is one of 44 high-rise buildings slated for demolition, as the state grapples with a growing housing crisis. Currently, over 58,000 households are on the public housing waiting list in Victoria, with a significant portion of applicants aged over 55. The loss of these homes could exacerbate the already dire situation in Melbourne’s housing market.
York warns, “What we’re seeing is a loss of public housing in these well-located places in the inner city where people want to live.” Critics of the demolition plan argue that selling the land to private developers will worsen the housing crisis, leading to further displacement of vulnerable populations.
In response to growing concerns, advocates will gather at the Capitol Theatre in Swanston Street on Thursday to demand the protection and expansion of public housing in Victoria, which currently represents less than 3% of the total housing stock. The Merri-bek Council has also voiced its opposition to the demolition plans, urging the government to explore retrofitting options instead.
Residents like Martin express their anxiety about the potential changes. “When they first said you’ll be relocated, I was thinking about my doctor, the hospitals, and where I would live,” he recalls. Despite the uncertainty, Martin believes he may not see the demolition in his lifetime.
A Homes Victoria spokesperson reassured residents that no relocations are planned until mid-2024 at the earliest, emphasizing that residents will receive adequate notice and support for any future moves. “This is a long-term project that will take place in careful stages,” they stated.
As the situation develops, the future of Barkly Street residents remains in flux, highlighting the urgent need for stable, affordable housing solutions for Melbourne’s vulnerable populations. The community continues to rally for their rights, advocating for the preservation of public housing in a city where affordable options are increasingly scarce.
The emotional impact of these developments echoes through the community, as residents like Terry Martin cling to their homes and the lives they have built. With the clock ticking on their future at Barkly Street, the call for immediate action grows louder.
