An ageing public housing area at Reservoir has made way for a new, modern, environmentally friendly estate, Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell said today.

Ms Lovell joined tenants for the official opening of the $16.9 million redevelopment of the Cheddar McMahon Estate in Cheddar Road East.

“This development has been a true collaboration, with input from the community, existing tenants and Darebin City Council,” Ms Lovell said

“The end result is the replacement of 28 ageing two bedroom units with 53 modern, comfortable, environmentally friendly homes.”

The former estate was built in 1954 and consisted of seven, two-storey walk-up brick buildings.

Construction of the new properties started in March 2010 and was completed in March 2012.

The redevelopment has resulted in 39 new self-contained apartments in a three-storey building, and 14 self-contained units towards the rear. Four of the units are suitable for older people.

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Craig Ondarchie said it was fitting that the redeveloped complex included a new road named Lillian Farren Way, after a former tenant.

“Lillian Farren lived at the Cheddar McMahon Estate from the early 1950s until she passed away in July 2009,” Mr Ondarchie said.

“I’m sure she would have been proud of the community feel in the newly developed estate.”