In 2019, Hansen Partnership’s Strategic Planning and Development Advisory teams in association with Breathe Architecture, were engaged by Frankston City Council to prepare a three site investigation and feasibility study as part of the Frankston Social Housing Investment Grant in Melbourne.

The feasibility study evaluated the potential of key sites to provide social and affordable housing whilst achieving best-practice urban design and sustainability outcomes. The purpose of undertaking analysis of the maximum viable thresholds for social and affordable housing was to identify potential limitations or constraints for possible future redevelopment three sites which were selected by Council, across the municipality (Buna Avenue, Ebdale Road & Overton).

The project team sought to deliver site designs, which illustrate the relationships between buildings open space (communal and private) and the broader neighbourhood including internal and surrounding streets.

The vision for each site was to build an attractive high-quality place to live, a place in which they would voluntarily choose to live, that offers great design, great spaces, activities and services. Key ambitions to the study include:

• Developing short, medium and long term phases respectively through activation, intensification and consolidation;
• Ensuring the creation of an organic community that meet the needs of an emerging population;
• Allow development flexibility which align with both current and future planning scheme requirements;
• Integrate key urban design principles of compact mixed-use developments, walkable and pedestrian oriented;
• Integrate key affordability principles of affordable housing and affordable living;
• Integrate key sustainability principles considering environmental, social & economic aspects to develop new housing that will respect the environment and mitigate their impact in the future.

This feasibility study explores a fundamental question: “Why would people want to live here?” By addressing this, the project aims to provide more than just housing—it seeks to create enduring homes and vibrant communities in Melbourne’s evolving urban landscape.