A tall residential building with red columns at the entrance and a tree in front, located at 259 Malvern Road
Aerial view of a city with multiple high-rise buildings and cranes, surrounded by urban sprawl
Spacious modern interior with wooden flooring, large windows, a kitchen island, and ample lighting
A yellow and black building next to a park with a playground, trees, and a pathway.

South Yarra Prahran Social Housing: Understanding Old, Celebrating New

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Presented by: Homes Victoria

Description

Join Homes Victoria and project partners for this rare, behind-the-scenes look at the history and the future of social housing and its urban design context.

Starting outside the aging social housing high-rise building at 259 Malvern Road (due to commence demolition later in 2026), to learn about the post-war era design elements as well as the unique challenges embedded across Melbourne’s 44 social housing high-rises.

Moving on to the new housing projects within the same precinct, you will experience real-time transformation of social housing delivery in Victoria. Tours of the demonstration apartments and key urban amenity features will showcase the emphasis on safety, comfort, sustainability, accessibility and a mix of housing types. These new homes are a benchmark for inclusive urban living that empower diverse communities to thrive.

The tour brings together the approach driving the Big Housing Build and the redevelopment of Melbourne’s 44 older social housing high-rises, the largest urban renewal project in Victoria’s history. It’s a special opportunity to explore both the history and future of social housing in Victoria.

What's On

Join the Homes Victoria asset management specialists at 259 Malvern Road, South Yarra to learn more about a typical 1960's social housing building. Then step next door to meet up with project delivery leads for a tour of new Big housing Build projects at Simmons Street, South Yarra, Essex Street and Bangs Street Prahran.

Images: (1) 259 Malvern Road, South Yarra. (2) South Yarra/ Prahran urban renewal precinct. (3) Inside new home at Simmons Street, South Yarra. (4) Bangs Street, Prahran. All photos: courtesy Homes Victoria.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Friday 24 July
Tours run 11am + 2pm
Running for 90 minutes in groups of 12

Saturday 25 July
Tour runs 11am
Running for 90 minutes in groups of 12

Bookings

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies
First release tickets: 12pm Wednesday 1 July
Second release tickets: 10am Saturday 4 July

Book

Meeting Point

Meet your tour guide at the footpath directly in front of the high-rise building at 259 Malvern Road

Accessibility

Lift access to all public levels

Tour requires a walk spanning three blocks between buildings and new housing projects

Location

259 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

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