Housing more than bricks and mortar

By Boy Louade | Thu, 21/10/2010 - 16:14 |   No comments
The Atherton Gardens $43 million redevelopment was officially launched on the 20th of October 2010, after many years of planning. The development is due for completion by September 2012, and will include 152 new homes at Atherton Gardens, a new childcare centre, office and retail space and 127 car spaces. 
 
It has come to fruition by strong support of the state government, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, The City of Yarra, United Care (Broadmeadows) and the Atherton Gardens residents association (AGRA) amongst other local organisations.
 
Many residents are welcoming the redevelopment, as this will provide a more family-friendly environment, training and education opportunities and the strengthening of social inclusion, which is defined as offering everyone opportunities to be fully engaged.
 
“It will be a one-stop shop, for everything from childcare to employment services, and for the people who live on the estate to get to know each other, which will lead to a stronger community” says, Jamila Aden, resident of Atherton Gardens.
 
However, one of the concerns with the proposed redevelopment is the space available for car parking. Currently, there is a carpark facility with approximately 200 (previously reported as 400) spaces used by residents. This car park is where the redevelopment will take place.
 
The City of Yarra has been managing these issues through a number of processes. During the construction period, council is allowing permits to be issued for temporary car parking along Napier St.
 
After the development is completed there is integrated car parking to some of the residents who have lost spots to be integrated into the new building. There is an understanding that any further issues a being resolved between the Office of Housing and AGRA. Napier St, which runs from Gertrude St behind the Atherton Gardens housing estate is already quite congested with parked cars throughout the day and in the evening. Parking on the whole is a prominent issue in Fitzroy.
 
Building is to commence in early 2011,

“We have been looking forward to this project for over seven years. To see it finally at its planning approval we are able to get the verdict and we will literally be digging into the ground, we hope, by February next year” said the Minister for Housing the Hon. Richard Wynne, who has been a long-time supporter of this project.

The yarraReporter will be monitoring the redevelopment of the City of Yarra housing developments and keep you updated.