By Parker McKenzie
Knox City Council is asking for feedback on its Boronia Draft Renewal Strategy by Thursday 13 April and will be hosting drop-in information sessions throughout March.
The Draft Renewal Strategy was voted on in August 2021 alongside a planning scheme amendment, allowing for 10-storey buildings to be built in the centre of the suburb.
Knox City Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch said Boronia is a vital hub for shopping, services, employment, housing, public transport and social activity.
“Boronia is a growing suburb that needs work to revitalise the shopping precinct, green open spaces, pedestrian connections and local economy,” she said.
“Following extensive community consultation, we have developed a draft strategy to allow for future growth while protecting and revitalising the valued community and residential spaces around the town centre.”
The Renewal Strategy is a review of the Boronia Structure Plan adopted in 2006 and associated planning schemes. The area around the train station — referred to as the Boronia Major Activity Centre (MAC) in the Draft Renewal Strategy — has been earmarked for development to “support stimulation of the local economy.”
“Boronia MAC is transforming from a predominantly suburban centre to one with pockets of higher urban densities and built form focused on public transport at its core,” the document said.
“The residential neighbourhoods surrounding the Boronia MAC core area, previously characterised by single, one and two-storey dwellings are experiencing an increase in townhouse and villa unit developments.”
The draft document proposes allowing the construction of 10-storey buildings in certain locations, such as at the intersection of Boronia Road and Dorset Road, to “deliver a substantial amount of high-quality apartment-style living, with amenity from the adjoining park and significant views in all directions could be gained from the upper levels.”
Mayor Timmers-Leitch said Boronia’s population is growing and over the next 20 years the suburb will need more homes and diversity in housing choices for new residents.
“Planning for moderate growth in areas surrounding shops, services and public transport allows us to protect residential neighbourhoods on the fringes of these precincts from inappropriate
development,” she said.
“The amendment proposes changes to guide the design of future developments, including the height of new buildings. These changes are needed to manage population growth while protecting what our community values.”
How to leave feedback and more information can be found at haveyoursay.knox.vic.gov.au/boronia-renewal-project and Knox City Council will host drop in on:
Tuesday 14 March 10am to 1pm at Shop 28, Boronia Mall, Dorset Square, Boronia
Thursday 16 March 5pm to 7.30pm at Shop 28, Boronia Mall, Dorset Square, Boronia
Wednesday 22 March 10am to 1pm at Boronia Library, Park Crescent Boronia
Sunday 26 March 10.30am to 12pm at Boronia Library, Park Crescent Boronia
