Rooming houses in Carlton, South Melbourne and Ballarat are set for major upgrades to improve safety and quality for residents.

The works will be carried out as part of an additional $20 million Andrews Labor Government rooming house upgrade program.

The fund will provide $10 million for the three state-owned, community housing sector run rooming houses to turn the accommodation with shared communal facilities into single studio style accommodation with private bathroom and kitchen facilities.

The remaining funds will be made available via grants through an expression of interest process, to upgrade sector owned rooming houses.

This investment builds on the success of the first round where the Labor Government invested $10 million to upgrade three rooming houses in Ascot Vale, Flemington and St Kilda.

The upgrade of rooming houses is much needed in Victoria as many operate an outdated model of accommodation with shared communal living, bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Current tenants will be relocated during the construction phase but will have the option to return once the buildings are finished.

This project is part of the Government’s $2.7 billion investment in housing and homelessness support.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“These upgrades will convert run down rooming houses into fully self-contained apartments providing modern and safe accommodation for residents.”

“We want to ensure that the rooming houses we own set the benchmark for rooming houses and provides the best possible accommodation and these upgrades will make a real difference for residents.”

“These buildings will become a safe place to live, they will also incorporate the latest environmentally sustainable design which will assist in reducing maintenance and operating costs.”