June 2003

Renewal for Parkside Estate

A $13 million long-term investment will rejuvenate Shepparton’s Parkside Estate and renew public housing in the Greater Shepparton area.

Housing Minister Candy Broad said the redevelopment would be carried out in association with the preferred development partner, the Urban and Regional Land Corporation (URLC).

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to renew the Parkside Estate and provide better housing in the Shepparton area.

The Government announced the redevelopment of the cluster units at Parkside in May 2001. Following community concerns the initial plans would not address physical and social issues on the estate, it was announced as a Neighbourhood Renewal project in June 2002.

‘Neighbourhood Renewal is not just about improving housing, it’s about working with communities to create safer and more attractive streets and open spaces and employment opportunities.

‘The plan involves redeveloping inappropriate housing on the estate, creating a new community hub and parks and renovating and rebuilding new housing in and around Shepparton over the next five to 10 years.’

Ms Broad said the project would feature:

• The demolition of some current housing and its replacement;

• The creation of two new open spaces out of the existing Roche Park;

• New roads, providing better access to the estate;

• A community hub, consisting of a new community centre and retail outlets;

• A better mix of public and private housing.

The estate currently consists of 313 public housing homes with 76 medium-density ‘cluster’ units and 237 detached houses.

Work is expected to start on the redevelopment of the estate’s housing within months.

During her visit to the Parkside Estate, Ms Broad also opened a new on-site employment and training centre and community garden at the North Shepparton Community House.