Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
Former VicRoads site in Kew proposed for up to 630 homes
The Victorian government proposes up to 630 homes at the former VicRoads site in Kew, in Melbourne’s Boroondara area.
The 2.5-hectare site is being cleared, and the plan includes nine buildings, with two reaching 16 storeys.
Boroondara council wanted buildings of three to eight storeys and says the plan lacks enough affordable housing, social housing and a robust traffic plan.
An earlier proposal for about 500 homes, including some in the former VicRoads tower, was abandoned earlier this year in favour of demolishing the building.
The site is covered by Victoria’s activity centre rules, which relax planning laws to support housing development.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will have the final say on the masterplan, which the government says is a guide rather than a detailed building plan.
The Victorian government has proposed up to 630 homes at the former VicRoads headquarters at 60 Denmark Street in Kew.
The proposed masterplan allows nine buildings, including two up to 16 storeys high.
Boroondara council officers criticised the plan, raising concerns about housing affordability, social housing, traffic and building heights.
The state government-owned site is being demolished, and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny would have the final say on the masterplan.
- Who
- The Victorian government and Development Victoria proposed the masterplan. Boroondara council officers criticised it.
- What
- A plan for up to 630 homes in nine buildings, with two buildings up to 16 storeys high.
- When
- The masterplan was revealed on October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The former VicRoads site at 60 Denmark Street in Kew, Melbourne.
- Why
- The state government opted to demolish the former municipal building so more homes could be built.
Boroondara council
Victorian government and Development Victoria
Housing and density
Boroondara council
Council officers said the plan’s increase to about 630 dwellings and buildings up to 16 storeys lacked a demonstrated rationale and public benefit.
Victorian government and Development Victoria
The state government’s plan provides for about 630 dwellings, compared with an earlier indication of around 500.
Affordable and social housing
Boroondara council
Council officers said the plan lacked more affordable housing beyond the 10 per cent minimum and lacked social housing.
Victorian government and Development Victoria
Not stated.
Planning authority
Boroondara council
Council officers said Boroondara Council should retain control of the site rather than the planning minister.
Victorian government and Development Victoria
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny would have the final say on the masterplan.
A previous plan for 500 homes, including 125 retrofitted into the VicRoads tower, was ditched.
The former VicRoads site was under demolition.
Documents revealing the proposed masterplan were released ahead of a City of Boroondara council committee meeting.
- Site
- 60 Denmark Street, Kew
- Site area
- 2.5 hectares
- Proposed homes
- About 630
- Proposed buildings
- Nine, including two up to 16 storeys
- Affordable housing minimum
- 10 per cent
What people are saying
Given the site’s former public ownership and strategic importance, officers consider it essential that the redevelopment delivers enduring public benefit.
The Boroondara City Council remains the most appropriate authority for this responsibility, not the minister for planning.
The rationale for this increase in height and yield, and the corresponding public benefit, has not been demonstrated in supporting documentation, or captured in the masterplan itself.