Retain, Repair, Reinvest is a strategy for evaluating the refurbishment potential of existing public housing. Ensuring housing as a basic human right. The Ascot Vale Estate was designed by renowned modernist architect and public housing advocate Best Overend during his time with the Housing Commission. It is made up of 57 three story housing blocks, all of which are variations of the same design. The entire Ascot Vale Estate will be redeveloped over the next 15-20 years as part of the Homes Victoria Ascot Value Renewal Project.

The design proposal is to bring the existing housing block up to contemporary standards of living while retaining both the local residents and the heritage significant buildings. OFFICE would like to thank the residents of the Ascot Vale Estate and the Wingate Avenue Community Centre for their time and support with this project. We’d also like to thank Miriam McGarry, Ben Hosking, RD Structural, Melbourne Quantity Surveyors, Makao and SGS Economics and Planning for their assistance and generosity in contributing to this design proposal.