Melbourne’s supportive housing project opens doors to first residents

In a groundbreaking move for Australia, the City of Melbourne and Unison Housing have successfully transformed a former council building into supportive housing, with Make Room now preparing to welcome its first residents.

Situated at 602 Little Bourke St, the building offers 50 studio apartments, providing residents with access to on-site health services, independent living support, round-the-clock security, a rooftop garden, and space for a social enterprise.

The building's design and service model was developed in collaboration with individuals who have experienced homelessness, ensuring that it caters to the varied needs of future residents.

The project marks a pioneering collaboration between the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Government, Unison Housing, cohealth, and Ngwala Willumbong.

“Today is landmark day for everyone in our community – there’s no doubt that Make Room will change lives and save lives,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

Residents are expected to begin moving in by mid-January, with tenants staying for up to 12 months or until they find more permanent housing.

Make Room also includes a dedicated floor for women who have experienced family violence or sexual assault, with plans to designate a space for non-binary individuals and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

The building will also showcase four expressive artworks by Aboriginal artists Matthew Harris and Mitch Mahoney.

“We have set a new standard for supportive transitional housing in Victoria and a new standard for the adaptive reuse of public buildings to deliver good quality housing,” Cr Reece said.

Melbourne is a city that cares, and nothing says that more than what we have accomplished at Make Room.  We are truly a fair, inclusive and supportive city.

The City of Melbourne has raised more than $16.1 million for the $24.9 million project, including $9 million in funding from the Victorian Government, alongside contributions from a range of philanthropic and corporate partners.

The Victorian Government has also committed $5.2 million in operational funding over two years to provide on-site support and specialised tenancy management.

Cohealth will offer a variety of services, including mental health support, housing assistance, legal services, dental care, women’s health services, and podiatry.

Ngwala will assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents with transitioning into their new homes at Make Room, providing ongoing support as they move into stable long-term housing.

“We know that a home is more than just four walls – it’s a foundation for health, safety, and opportunity,” cohealth CEO Nicole Bartholomeusz said.

“By combining Unison’s expertise in providing stable, secure housing with cohealth's holistic health and social support, we’re not just addressing homelessness – we’re creating a pathway to improved health outcomes and lasting stability for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable residents.”