Projects

Preston Crossing Oakover Precinct regenerates 1.4ha in a central pocket of Preston adjacent to the recent Bell Station redevelopment. It is the first project of its kind in Melbourne’s north, one that includes the new social housing delivered in partnership with Homes Victoria and HousingFirst, as well family-oriented apartments and townhouses, affordable one and two bedroom apartments, and Nightingale housing.

Hayball was engaged by MAB to lead the masterplan for both precincts in addition to the social housing (completed in 2024) and market apartments and townhouses (currently under construction and due to be complete in 2025).

Delivered alongside Breathe Architecture, Archier and TCL, the highly collaborative approach to precinct design has created a new precedent for sustainable and affordable residential community-design, supporting the ongoing re-establishment of this central and well serviced neighbourhood while placing a significant focus on lowering utility costs for residents and reducing the environmental footprint.

‘The delivery of 99 social homes at Preston through the Victorian Government’s innovative Public Housing Renewal Program replaces 26 single-storey social housing dwellings that were no longer fit for purpose with 99 high-quality, energy-efficient social homes. These homes provide life-changing improvement and renewal for the returning residents and those Victorians previously on the waiting list who didn’t have secure housing,’ says Clive Bowden, Acting CEO at HousingFirst.

All the social housing meets Gold Liveable Housing Design Guidelines, have received an average 7-star NatHERS rating, and will achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design and As-built Certification—meaning apartments are more comfortable and cost efficient to run. These design standards help to support people of all abilities and stages of life and represent Australian excellence in healthier and more responsive buildings.

The completed social housing building features a generous community room and kitchen facilities, connected to an elevated terrace with expansive views and creating a shared space for all residents. Within the broader precinct, a gallery space and new park serve to create amenity not only for residents, but a welcoming address for the precinct, inviting the neighbouring community into the space.

Broadly, the architectural response draws on Preston’s rich history and character: a post-war migrant history, and early civic and industrial buildings. Brick is used as a feature material throughout, inspired by the area’s striking industrial buildings, and balustrades and screens reflect domestic details from the surrounding neighbourhood. Planted arbours, flexible garden spaces and a new tree canopy reference the local character of productive gardens in peoples’ front yards and help to ‘re-green’ the entire precinct.

A network of streets and lanes prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, further connecting residents to their neighbours, as well as to the recently upgraded nearby cycling network and Bell Station, providing significant transit choice. The laneways play a dual role in the design by creating a space that is welcoming and accessible while encouraging the local community to come together, supporting children’s play and neighbourly interactions. It’s an idea that’s being explored elsewhere at Hayball, including through collaboration with Natalia Krysiak who has conducted research into the importance of play in early childhood development as part of her ‘Cities for Play’ project.

The highly collaborative model results in an enriched design, with the degree of architectural diversity and character suited to the location. The range of apartments and townhouses in a high-quality landscape supported by welcoming community spaces and amenities, all play a role in the creation of a vibrant and successful new community.