An open letter organised by a coalition of built environment professionals is urging Victoria's Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing to "immediately halt the reckless demolition of 44 public housing towers" in Melbourne and across the state, which are currently being redeveloped or are planned for redevelopment by Homes Victoria.
According to a representative, the group - known as Building Action Now (BAN) - is "demanding responsible, evidence-based housing policy."
"The Victorian state government is demolishing public housing during Australia's worst housing crisis without releasing condition reports, feasibility studies or cost-benefit analysis, and without adequately considering the alternative of retrofit and refurbishment which could save up to $1.5 billion," BAN's media statement reads.
In their open letter, BAN cites a parliamentary inquiry into the tower redevelopment that was held in December 2025, in which the Victorian government refused to supply evidence, making it impossible for the government to justify - or for the Legislative Council to independently evaluate - the decision to demolish the towers. BAN points to the inquiry's findings that Homes Victoria, the state government agency responsible for public housing, failed to maintain the towers and properly communicate residents' rights to relocation and return.
According to BAN, a 2024 report by the not-for-profit design and research practice Office demonstrates the financial and environmental gains from retaining - rather than rebuilding - the towers at Flemington Estate. The group also draws upon a study led by architect and academic Nigel Bertram, which looks at the advantages of retrofit at Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy.
The Victorian government has proceeded with works for the redevelopment of towers at Elgin Street in Carlton, as well as demolition and new infill works at Holland Court in Flemington and Simmons Street in South Yarra. Last month, the government announced the next seven towers for redevelopment across six sites in Prahran, Flemington, Kensington, St Kilda, Albert Park and North Melbourne.
"Our demands are clear: halt the demolition and redevelopment of all towers until there is transparent evidence provided, independent assessment, and genuine resident consultation that considers each tower on a case-by-case basis," BAN notes.
The open letter can be accessed on BAN's website.
