Transforming public housing in Australia: embracing sustainable refurbishment over demolition

Weijie Hu

Urban Research & Practice, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 328-338

Abstract: Australia’s housing crisis has sparked debate over the future of aging public housing, with plans to demolish 44 Melbourne high-rise towers by 2051. While promising more units, this approach risks environmental, social, and economic drawbacks. This paper advocates innovative refurbishment, drawing on international examples like Paris’ Tour Bois-le-Prêtre and Rotterdam’s Splayed Apartment Blocks. Refurbishment aligns with circular economy principles, conserving embodied energy, cutting emissions, and preserving communities. It offers planners a cost-effective, incremental solution that supports sustainable, equitable growth. By contextualizing global strategies for Australia, this paper proposes a scalable alternative to transform public housing responsibly and sustainably.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/17535069.2025.2450478

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