Vinnies Big Build developmenton home stretch

A PROTOTYPE apartment of a new 84-home VincentCare Community Housing (VCCH) development in Kennington has been unveiled.

The landmark project is being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build and is billed as a blueprint for what modern community housing looks like in regional Victoria.

The new homes will replace 30 ageing independent living units in St Aidans Road and create a vibrant, community-focused housing precinct designed with a focus on people aged over 55.

They will provide long-term housing stability for residents and, according to St Vincent de Paul Society interim group CEO Charlie Spendlove, will be considered as “more than bricks and mortar” to them.

“Everyone deserves a forever home,” she said.

“By providing high-quality, long-term housing, we’re helping Bendigo residents stay safe, supported, and right where they belong: at the heart of our community.”

The project is one of three major community housing developments that VCCH is delivering in partnership with Homes Victoria, providing a total of 185 new residences across Bendigo, Footscray and Wollert.

The Kennington development will be completed in two stages so that the 27 occupants currently living in the older units only have to move once, with the first expected to move into Stage 1 new homes from mid-year.

“This is a significant investment in the future of Bendigo and its residents,” Ms Spendlove said.

“This project demonstrates what’s possible when community housing providers, local businesses and community, and government work together to meet the needs of Victorians experiencing housing insecurity.”