Uniting Vic.Tas Housing at Myers Street, Bendigo is a socially focused residential development that transforms underutilised land surrounding the historic St Andrew’s Church into a connected and inclusive community. Located within Bendigo’s CBD, the project delivers 73 contemporary one and two-bedroom homes designed to provide safe, secure and long-term housing for people experiencing housing stress.  

Memla’s landscape design strengthens the site’s longstanding social role by creating a network of communal outdoor spaces that encourage connection, wellbeing and everyday interaction. A landscaped pedestrian spine links Myers and Mollison Streets, improving permeability through the site while connecting residents to community gardens, seating areas, a pocket park and nature-based playspaces. Deep soil planting, native vegetation and rain gardens soften the urban environment and contribute to a resilient and biodiverse landscape outcome.  

The project carefully balances contemporary housing with the heritage character of the precinct, retaining significant trees and maintaining key viewlines to the church and historic stables. Developed in partnership with Uniting Vic.Tas, St Andrew’s Uniting Church and Homes Victoria, the project reflects the importance of community housing in providing dignity, stability and belonging for vulnerable people while fostering a vibrant and supportive neighbourhood environment.