The Make Room project is a unique partnership between the City of Melbourne, Unison Housing, the Victorian Government and key philanthropic organisations to address the critical needs of people experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness in the City of Melbourne.

People can re-take control of their lives when housing is available. However, without a continued supply of housing options in inner Melbourne, people will continue to end up sleeping on our streets. 

We are re-purposing a Council-owned building located at 602 Little Bourke Street into transitional supported housing for up to 50 residents.

Experienced community housing provider Unison Housing will develop 50 self-contained studio apartments alongside a purpose-built rooftop garden and onsite support space. Unison will also manage tenancy and work with partners to provide wraparound health and social supports to prepare and transition people into longer term sustainable housing. Make Room residents will stay for up to 12 months, or until they can be connected with long-term secure housing.

Detailed architectural designs have been finalised and a construction contract with builders Harris HMC signed. Construction work has commenced with a project completion date scheduled for July 2024.

News

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Community consultation

    4 July to 5 August 2021

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Housing provider appointed to refurbish the building at 602 Little Bourke Street

    August 2021

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Agreement for Lease (AFL) signed with Unison Housing

    May 2022

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Appointment of architects and builder to undertake early works

    July 2022

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Announcement of main building contract being signed and the project works schedule

    October 2023

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    Building refurbishment works underway

    October 2023

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Make Room refurbishment completion

    Anticipated July 2024

Project overview

Learn more about the Make Room project.

Community consultation

Feedback we heard on the Make Room project.

Find out more about Homes Melbourne

Contact us

Have questions or want to learn more about the project?