By Ciara Duffy-Quinn, Felix Pocius, Jack Holland, Adam Miller and David Allen
Melbourne’s population is expected to grow to over 5 million by 2030, all the while the city is facing a critical housing shortage. With most new developments focused on either sprawling single-family homes or high-rise apartments there is a significant gap in medium-density housing.
Footscray is emerging as a possible solution to this housing crisis. Unlike outer suburbs where urban sprawl contributes to transportation and infrastructure pressures, Footscray offers a solution by promoting what’s been called “gentle density” within an already well-connected, growing metropolitan area. Residents have easy access to employment, education, and entertainment without relying heavily on personal vehicles.
Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) is an independent movement that focuses on house shortages across Sydney and Melbourne. They advocate for property to be built up, prioritising medium-density and high-rise buildings that can give more people a place to live without having to sacrifice location.
According to YIMBY research, developing medium-density housing in well-serviced inner-city areas reduces commute times, lowers carbon emissions, and encourages a more balanced use of infrastructure. Footscray, with its strong public transport links and walkable streets, is a textbook example of where this type of development can thrive.
Building Melbourne’s “missing middle,” as YIMBY advocates describe it, plays on the idea of building more housing where it’s needed most while preserving Melbourne’s culture. Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien says “the rental vacancy rate is extraordinarily low, and building more homes is the only way to empower renters and allow Melburnians to stay in the areas they love.”
Developments like the build-to-rent Indi Footscray could help meet the city’s increasing demand for affordable housing. Located in the heart of Footscray it’s a mixed-use development by MAB Corporation & Investa, consisting of modern apartments that offer more space than high-rise buildings while still contributing to higher-density living. This medium-density approach is exactly what some experts say Melbourne needs in its efforts to address the housing shortfall.
Indi Footscray is a short distance from Footscray Station, a major hub for local and metropolitan rail services and Melbourne’s V/Line regional network, a major asset for addressing the missing middle in Melbourne.
Indi Footscray is part of a growing trend of build-to-rent developments. The Build-to-Rent (BTR) housing sector in Victoria is experiencing significant growth, and it can play a critical role in addressing Australia’s housing affordability crisis. Unlike traditional developments where properties are sold to individual buyers, the BTR model focuses on constructing properties designed specifically for long-term rental. This approach allows for professionally managed rental homes with secure leases, offering flexibility for tenants who seek stability in a volatile rental market.
Peter Menegazzo, CEO of Investa says, “There is an undersupply of institutionally owned and managed residential apartment rentals in Australia. This, combined with strong demand drivers, positions the BTR sector as a compelling investment opportunity.”
By introducing more rental units, developments like Indi Footscray also boost the local economy. More residents means more demand for local services, shops, and dining options, which in turn helps support small businesses and creates job opportunities.
But not everyone is necessarily on board. Affordable Development Housing’s director Kate Breen said the state government’s plan to open Middle and West Footscray, and Tottenham up for higher density housing development would need rigorous community consultation to succeed.
“We must ensure the community has opportunities to inform the scale of development,” said Ms Breen.
An affordable housing advocate, Ms Breen eschewed the term NIMBY as one too often lost to the comments section of Facebook, its perspective tarnished by a lack of expertise.
“I support development for Melbourne’s inner-west, but it’s crucial it be done in a way that benefits the community long term.”
“Government needs to consider and respond to the range of infrastructure requirements that come with an increasing population and defer to council on providing necessary community supports like childcare,” said Ms Breen.
“The plans must include affordable housing for low and medium-income households.”
Ms Breen said active transport infrastructure like bike paths would also need to be improved, and these measures tied to greening projects and the development of more public spaces, including the old Footscray Hospital site.
“The more greenery and shade there is on our streets, the more we’ll walk on them,” said Ms Breen.
Heritage issues are also a concern for many. The recently built high-rise towers in Footscray starkly contrast with the rest of the suburb, sticking out among industrial warehouses, post-war dwellings, and heritage-listed houses. Last year, the Maribyrnong City Council imposed heritage protection overlays on 900 homes in West Footscray. So, while urban revitalisation continues to encroach, the question remains; how do we keep the cultural, socio-economic, and visual identity of the suburb while maintaining much-needed urban development?
While it may not be feasible to preserve every aspect of this architectural heritage while accommodating the demand for more housing, it seems that the cultural and vibrant community of Footscray isn’t going anywhere.
Julia Aiello recently moved into a high-rise building in West Footscray. Her two-bedroom apartment comes with access to a pool, rooftop courtyard, and gym. Residents often hold social events like plant potting and weekly BBQs, through a Facebook group.
“As long as there is some thoughtful planning and an effort to maintain cultural hubs and landmarks, we can build more homes and also maintain what makes Footscray special,” she says.
With rapid gentrification threatening Footscray’s working-class migrant character it all comes down to balancing growth while ensuring all existing residents benefit from these changes.
While Footscray may hold some answers to the housing crisis, like any complex issue, it’s not just about one suburb. Melbourne as a city needs to build a future where everyone can make a home.
To read more about YIMBY Melbourne’s Missing Middle report head this way
