A collection of state-owned properties totaling 450 acres has been designated for new housing development.

Under the direction of the Healey-Driscoll administration, these surplus state properties will be awarded or auctioned to developers for reconstruction as housing.

According to a press release issued by the governor’s office, the move may create as many as 3,500 new units of housing in the Bay State.

Construction has already begun on several of the properties, including the former Boston State Hospital campus in Mattapan, the former Department of Unemployment Assistance Building in Brockton, a former veterans home in Chelsea, the south campus at Salem State University and a parcel of land in Roxbury.

“From Pittsfield to Plymouth, we’re unlocking public land to build a more affordable, inclusive Massachusetts,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “By unlocking public land, we’re turning surplus lots into living communities.”

“This ambitious, collaborative effort is a key to unlocking state assets and leveraging state ownership to advance these projects, some of which have the potential to produce hundreds of units of housing,” Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz said. “The positive impact to our residents and economy will far outweigh the cost to develop these sites.”