Representatives of the Victorian Government and the joint venture consortium of St Hilliers and Australand recently signed the Development Agreement to deliver the multi-million redevelopment of public housing in Carlton.

St Hilliers Executive Director, Ralph Gagliano, officiated at the signing ceremony on behalf of the company. He said the $300 million urban renewal project is a good example of a project that reflects two areas St Hilliers has identified as the focus for strategies to grow its business ‚Äö?Ñ?¨ residential sector opportunities and government sector clients.

The project spans 7.5 hectares across three Carlton sites and will involve construction of over 240 new social housing apartments and 500 new inner city, residential homes. The dwellings will incorporate leading edge environmentally sustainable features such as solar and wind energy, grey water recycling and a minimum six star energy rating. The three sites will also include new public parks, a community garden and pedestrian and bicycle pathways. 

The joint venture partners believe the project will redefine the benchmark for quality urban renewal and will add to the social fabric of this inner city precinct. The Carlton redevelopment project will be delivered in seven stages over the next eight years with the majority of social housing comprising the early stages.   

As well as being an equity participant in the redevelopment project, St Hilliers is also the contractor ensuring the company's Victorian operations will have a strong base of work into the next decade. Construction of the first stage, which is valued at $40 million, is expected to commence prior to Christmas. The final stage will be delivered by 2017. 

For more information about the Viva Carlton project visit www.vivacarlton.com.au