Abstract: This paper draws on the concept of ‘right to the city’, based on Lefebvre’s work, in order to consider social mix policy. Despite some critique around the question of which right is referred to, and more specifically the right to what, for whom, and by whom, we understand it as a right to participate in and influence decision-making, and to enjoy and access local urban spaces. The idea that disadvantaged communities benefit from initiatives that dilute poverty and create mixed-tenure residential environments has been extensively studied over the past decade. Despite questions about the soundness of the underlying assumptions, implementing mixed tenure projects in Australian cities is an ongoing practice. The question of the right to the city is examined through the case study of Carlton Housing Estate Redevelopment Project (Melbourne). Data collection included in-depth interviews with public housing tenants, private residents and service providers, as well as neighbourhood observations and participation in on-site events. The findings suggest that public housing tenants' opportunities to influence and participate in processes of decision-making have been limited and there have been symbolic and physical barriers to full access to onsite urban space. From this perspective, at least in terms of opportunities to participate and fully enjoy newly designed open spaces in their community, they have been denied a right to the city.