So why are we knocking down perfectly good housing to build something from scratch?

 This is the conundrum that local firm OFFICE has been exploring in their research project: Retain, Repair, Reinvest. 

According to OFFICE, “Retain, Repair, Reinvest is a site-specific strategy for evaluating the refurbishment potential of existing public housing. At the core of this strategy is the retention of public housing with the commitment to ensuring housing as a basic human right. The approach has three key objectives: Retain existing communities by not relocating residents, repair existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions, and reinvest savings to improve comfort and upgrade public housing.” 

The strategy proves that retaining and refurbishing existing public housing is technically and economically feasible, offering significant social benefits. This strategy counters the Department of Health and Human Services' demolition and rebuild approach, addressing criteria like access, energy efficiency, dwelling types, liveability standards, and financial investment.

 As OFFICE explores this across real case studies in Melbourne, specifically in Port Melbourne and Ascot Vale, they make a compelling case for reusing what we’ve got and developing a toolkit that not only has significant social value, but enhances the sustainability of our cities.