Templeton Street Affordable Housing Project

Background

The Templeton Street Affordable Housing project includes the development of two council-owned sites in the heart of Castlemaine for affordable long-term rental housing.

In June 2022 and January to February 2026, Council consulted community about developing medium density long-term affordable rental homes on the two council-owned sites: 65-67 Templeton Street (the Bendigo TAFE site), and 30A Templeton Street (above the car park next to Castlemaine Community House).

Following overwhelming community support for the idea, Councillors voted on 18 October 2022 to progress plans for these sites in partnership with registered housing agency, Haven Home Safe.

In late January 2026 a new Housing Australia Future Fund Facility federal funding round opened for new social and affordable rental housing projects. Along with registered housing agency partners Council has submitted a funding bid to the HAFFF for 65-67 Templeton St. At its 17 March 2026 council meeting, Councillors voted unanimously to provide a 25 year or more lease over the site to the registered housing agencies for long-term social and affordable rental housing to people of the Mount Alexander Shire. This council meeting also endorsed the community consultation and engagement report conducted by the Housing Project Office between December 2025 and February 2026.

Project funding

Council has been working in partnership with registered housing agencies to find appropriate funding to finance the development.

Community consultation

The following community consultation has taken place since 2022.

  • In early 2026, Council sought seeking feedback on providing lease over 65-67 Templeton Street Castlemaine for 25 years or more for provision of affordable rental housing.
  • An online poll on Shape Mount Alexander: to understand community sentiment and draw out key concerns.
  • Hard copy surveys: were also supplied and received through the Council's Civic Centre.
  • Neighbourhood door knocking: to understand the views of directly impacted residents.
  • Face to face meetings with residents: to understand their views on a more intimate setting.
  • Responding to direct queries: following up with private face-to-face meetings or phone calls.
  • Traditional channels: receiving submissions through the post, email, text messages, and phone calls.

For more information about community consultation and the project, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing.

FAQs

What design plans exist for the project so far?

As of March 2026, only preliminary massing plans have been prepared. These are very early, high‑level drawings created solely to support Council’s Expression of Interest to the Federal Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF).

Massing plans simply illustrate the overall shape and approximate volume of a potential development. They do not include any detailed design elements such as:

  • Heritage considerations
  • Landscaping
  • Overlooking and privacy treatments
  • Building materials
  • Architectural character or final appearance

Consistent with the original 2022 intended yield, the project anticipates a multilevel apartment building of around 20 homes, for long‑term affordable rental. If funding is approved detailed design processes will then commence, and will involve further site analysis, community engagement, and refinement.

How is the project respecting the heritage of the area?

Analysis of the project's heritage context is the first piece of work to be done and the design will be responsive to its heritage setting. Council acknowledges that heritage is a key concern for neighbouring residents and the community.

How tall will the new building be?

No designs have been approved but the building height will be accordance with the surrounding streetscape. Council acknowledges a built form can be higher than surrounding buildings are now possible but Council has chosen to limit the height to existing levels to address heritage and resident concerns.

How will the community be consulted throughout the project?

Council’s Housing Project Officer has conducted a targeted engagement prioritising surrounding residents between December 2025 and February 2026. They will continue regular engagement with surrounding residents throughout the duration of the project via face to face meetings, emails, postal mail, phone calls, text messages, and website updates.

Who will manage the tenancy and support residents?

Registered housing agencies such as Haven Home Safe provide wrap around supports and services to residents. Haven Home Safe as the property manager will maintain the grounds.

Will construction works impact surrounding properties?

Groundworks at 65-67 Templeton Street have been minimised in the initial massing design work which therefore minimises the risks to surrounding properties.

What is Council’s plan for 69 Templeton Street?

Council purchased 69 Templeton St and is retaining the home currently on the property. From February 2026, Council has been utilising the building as an office to aid in its emergency response to the recent fires.

Contact us

Back to top