UPDATE: Residents of the Barkly Street public housing tower in Brunswick are facing an uncertain future with potential demolition plans announced for 2051. This urgent development comes as the state government, through Homes Victoria, reveals that the high-rise building, among 44 scheduled for demolition, is nearing the end of its life.
For 70-year-old Terry Martin, who has lived in the building for 17 years, this news is deeply distressing. From his sixth-floor flat, he enjoys “million dollar views” and the comfort of a close-knit community. “I won’t change; I’ve got the best place in here,” he shared. Yet, the looming threat of relocation weighs heavily on him and the 110 residents who call Barkly Street home.
The Barkly Street tower, built in the 1960s, is one of 12 state-owned properties catering specifically to older residents. As the public housing crisis intensifies, with over 58,000 households on the waiting list, advocates like Fiona York from the Housing for the Aged Action Group are urging the government to reconsider the demolition plans. “We cannot afford to lose any public housing,” she stated, emphasizing the high demand for affordable options for older individuals.
The potential loss of Barkly Street highlights a critical issue: the need for secure, affordable housing for the elderly. Martin, who has faced health challenges, recalls his initial excitement when offered public housing. “It was like a bloody holiday,” he reminisced, appreciating the building’s amenities and community spirit.
However, the attractiveness of the site to private developers raises concerns among residents and advocates. The fear is that demolitions could lead to private ownership, further shrinking public housing stock in Melbourne, which currently stands at less than 3% of the total housing available.
In response to these concerns, the Merri-bek Council has publicly opposed the demolition plans, calling for a halt to the program and exploring options for retrofitting existing towers instead. Their recent submission to a state inquiry stressed the need for more information for residents, many of whom feel “in the dark” about their future.
While Homes Victoria assures that no relocations are planned until mid-2024, the uncertainty is palpable. “It’s much more disruptive as an older person to be moving, and the fear of what can happen with that relocation process is really high,” York added.
As the community gears up for a rally at the Capitol Theatre in Melbourne on Thursday, advocates are uniting to push for the protection and growth of public housing. They argue that demolishing properties like Barkly Street will exacerbate the crisis, particularly affecting seniors who rely on affordable housing.
Martin, while hopeful that demolition will not occur in his lifetime, reflects on the anxiety this uncertainty brings. “When they first said you’ll be relocated, I was thinking about my future, where I would live, and if I’d be close to my doctor,” he stated. For now, he clings to the beauty of his surroundings, but the fight for the future of Barkly Street continues.
With the clock ticking down to potential changes, residents and advocates alike are determined to maintain the integrity of public housing in Melbourne. The coming weeks will be crucial as public discussions unfold and the community seeks clarity and support amid this urgent crisis.
