As a step towards the centre's revitalisation, Council supported several planning permits relating to the establishment of Vicinity Centres. Plans detailed in the applications included a 51-storey retail, office and residential tower, a public plaza that will be partially covered, and upgraded cycling and pedestrian connections to local public transport.
Mayor Tina Liu said Box Hill has been designated a Metropolitan Activity Centre and the development followed State and Local Planning Policies.
She said the architectural quality proposed for the bustling centre of Box Hill was of a high standard and would add to the area while also creating better public spaces and improving connectivity between Prospect Street and the station. The Mayor added:
“What is currently a concrete loading bay and car park at the western end of Main Street will become an urban plaza through landscaping, street furniture and open space for passive recreation.”
Such a development could also boost demand for local businesses such as food, retail and printing services.
The major centre servicing the Whitehorse community, Box Hill provided 18,400 jobs accounting for about 23 per cent of the area's employment figures, in 2016. It is also considered the area's economic centre.