HCA Belmont, designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects, has been short-listed for a Victorian Architecture Award. Photo: Ben Burratti
A Belmont social housing redevelopment that delivered 29 affordable new homes has been short-listed for a Victorian Architecture Award.
The Kennedy Nolan-designed complex for mostly ageing residents is in the running for the Residential Housing – Multiple Housing gong.
The $7m project was a partnership between Housing Choices Australia and Homes Victoria. completed in 2024.
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The 7-star, double-storey development was designed to provide independent living with private balconies and access to communal gardens.
It replaced a previous 11-unit complex on the Belmont site built in the 1950s, with former residents given the first choice to move back in.
Housing Choices Australia executive director homes Mark Hayward said the development was driven by the need to deliver more quality, well-located affordable housing for people on low incomes.
He said the apartments had been carefully designed to maximise natural light, energy efficient and cross-ventilation.
All the residents have access to private and communal outdoor spaces. Photo: Tom Ross
The communal garden supports food production, with 100 per cent of the rainwater either captured or falling to site, with overflow passing through rain gardens. Photo: Ben Burratti
“What really makes Belmont special is the sense of community it creates. It offers safe, well-located homes for residents – mainly senior applicants from the Victorian Housing Register – close to shops, transport, services and the Barwon River,” Mr Hayward said.
“Our teams also stay involved through tenancy and property management, as well as community-building support that helps people feel connected and at home.”
Environmentally sustainable features include double glazed windows, water efficient fixtures, recirculated water and low-impact materials.
Kennedy Nolan Architects drew on Belmont’s neighbourhood character and the mid-century work of celebrated local architects McGlashan Everist for the design.
The HCA Belmont site overlooks the Barwon River valley.
A Homes Victoria spokesman said the Victorian Government had invested more than $370m to build 886 new social and affordable homes in Greater Geelong, with 683 already completed.
Another 54 new social homes on Ormond Rd in East Geelong are due to be completed mid-year, with renters to move in later this year.
A renovation to an early 2000s beach house in Anglesea, designed by Lovell Burton Architecture, has also been short-listed in the Victorian Architecture Awards, in the residential houses – alterations and additions category.
Winners will be announced on June 19.
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