Photo: heraldsun.com.au

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said the three properties in Ascot Vale, Flemington and St Kilda were being rejuvenated under the Victorian Government’s $10 million upgrade program.

The rooming houses, which currently have shared facilities, will be converted into community housing properties with security and self-contained accommodation.

The project provides an opportunity to not only improve the safety and amenity of rooming house accommodation, but will allow disadvantaged tenants to better engage with community and support services.

Shared communal living, bathroom and kitchen facilities are an outdated model of accommodation, especially for women often impacting on their physical and mental health and their pathway to a better life.

Apart from far better physical conditions for tenants, it also means more opportunities for tenants to socialise with the surrounding community, reduced conflict among tenants and lower turnover of support staff.

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