The future of Richmond's public housing
The voice
I have lived my whole life here, I am old and government send me a letter that they want to demolish the towers, I am really scared to go homeless, what happens to the people like me who live in here?
Residents around the Richmond public housing estate are facing one of the biggest changes their community has seen in decades.
The background
FactThe Victorian Government is progressively relocating residents, demolishing older public housing buildings and redeveloping the precinct over coming years. At 139 Highett Street, relocation formed part of the government’s second redevelopment tranche, with the rebuilt site currently scheduled for completion in 2032.
Homes Victoria says the broader Richmond precinct redevelopment will occur progressively over many years.
The Victorian Ombudsman is investigating the experience of residents affected by the tower redevelopment program, including Richmond — covering relocation, security of tenure, wellbeing, government communication and whether residents’ human rights were appropriately considered. The investigation began after a Parliamentary referral in June 2026.
Where it stands today
FactLast updated: 25 September 2026
Homes Victoria’s March 2026 update identified 139 Highett Street and walk-up buildings at Elizabeth Street, Williams Court and Anderson Court as part of the demolition program. It said demolition would not occur while residents remained in those buildings, and outlined preparatory works followed by staged demolition during 2026.
The towers at 106, 108, 110 and 112 Elizabeth Street are identified for future redevelopment, although the timing and detailed redevelopment plans remain separate from the first demolition works.
What remains unresolved?
The issue is not simply whether old buildings should ever be replaced. The number of replacement social or community homes, the proportion of private development, building heights, infrastructure requirements and treatment of existing open space should be clearly available to residents before irreversible decisions are made.
Different political parties and community groups strongly dispute aspects of the government’s plans. Those competing claims should be tested against the final planning documents rather than residents being expected to rely on political slogans.
Residents are asking much more fundamental questions:
- Why demolition rather than refurbishment?
- Where will residents live while redevelopment occurs?
- Will they have a genuine right to return?
- Will the replacement housing remain public housing?
- How much private housing will be built?
- What happens to open space, community facilities and local infrastructure?
- Were the people living here genuinely involved before the decisions were made?
Proposed response
Proposed responseFor each Richmond site, before demolition, residents should be able to see clearly:
- The independent evidence explaining why demolition is necessary.
- The redevelopment design, and the number and type of homes proposed.
- How transport, schools, health services, parking, open space and other infrastructure will cope with additional residents.
- Exactly where relocated residents will go, and their tenancy conditions while relocated.
- Whether and how their right to return will be protected.
- Who will own and manage the replacement social housing.
- The complete timeline from relocation to return.
Who can fix it?
Victorian Government — Homes Victoria
The outcome we are seeking
Renewing ageing housing can be justified where buildings genuinely need replacement. But redevelopment should not mean treating an established community as an obstacle.
Success is residents who know where they are going, what replaces their home, and that they have a protected right to come back. The buildings may change. The people who made the community should not simply be forgotten.
Progress tracker
Progress- Raised
- Investigating
- Action sought
- Action underway
- Resolved
- Done: Homes Victoria demolition program update published (March 2026)
- Done: Ombudsman investigation under way after Parliamentary referral (June 2026)
- Not yet: Site-by-site evidence for demolition published
- Not yet: Replacement home numbers and tenure published
- Not yet: Right to return protected for relocated residents
Current status: Raised · Last updated: 25 September 2026
Sources and documents
- Homes Victoria — Richmond Precinct Update (March 2026)
- Victorian Ombudsman — Tower Redevelopment Investigation (June 2026)
Have your say
- Do you live in the Richmond housing estate, or have family there?
- Have you been properly consulted?
- Have you been relocated?
- Do you understand what will replace your home?
- Have you been given clear information about returning?
- What should be protected during redevelopment?
Housing policy should be developed with the people who live with its consequences — not simply announced to them.
