BHCN Planning Report Urbis

BOX HILL CENTRAL NORTH
REDEVELOPMENT
MASTER PLAN
Planning Scheme Amendment Planning Report
Prepared for
VICINITY CENTRES
23 June 2022
URBIS STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPORT WERE:
Director Brendan Rogers
Associate Director Siân Morgan
Senior Consultant Erin Skurrie
Project Code P0028265
Report Number Rep 02
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CONTENTS
Executive Summary..........................................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................3
2. Strategic Context...............................................................................................................................4
2.1. The Growth Task .................................................................................................................4
2.2. Metropolitan Strategic Context ............................................................................................4
2.3. Eastern Region Context .......................................................................................................6
2.4. Box Hill Activity Centre Context ...........................................................................................6
2.5. Local Strategic Planning Context .........................................................................................9
2.5.1. Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007 .....................................9
2.5.2. Ongoing Strategic Work .......................................................................................9
3. Subject Site and Surrounds ...........................................................................................................10

3.1. Subject Site ........................................................................................................................10
3.2. Immediate Surrounds.........................................................................................................12
4. Planning Policy Context .................................................................................................................16

4.1. Plan Melbourne & Planning Policy Framework .................................................................16
4.2. Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan & Local Planning Policy
Framework .........................................................................................................................17
5. The Proposal / The Master plan .....................................................................................................18

5.1. Master plan Precinct Vision ...............................................................................................19
5.2. Summary of the proposal ...................................................................................................20
5.3. Evolution of the Master Plan ..............................................................................................21
5.4. Key Land Use and Design Elements .................................................................................22
5.4.1. Site layout ...........................................................................................................22
5.4.2. Built Form and Design ........................................................................................24
5.4.2.1. Design criteria .....................................................................................................24
5.4.2.2. Massing principles and built form parameters ....................................................24
5.4.3. Public Open Space Network & Public Realm .....................................................26
5.4.4. Site Links ............................................................................................................27
5.4.5. Car Parking and Loading ....................................................................................29
5.4.6. Precinct Employment and Residential Projections .............................................29
5.4.7. Public benefits delivered by the Master Plan .....................................................30
5.4.8. Staging of Development .....................................................................................32
5.5. Planning Scheme Amendment Request ............................................................................33
5.5.1. Incorporated Document ......................................................................................34
5.5.2. Subdivision .........................................................................................................34
5.6. Current Planning Permit Applications ................................................................................35
6. Planning Assessment .....................................................................................................................36

6.1. Strategic Justification .........................................................................................................36
6.2. Planning Policy Framework ...............................................................................................36
6.3. Urban Design and Built Form ............................................................................................37
6.3.1. Design Outcomes ...............................................................................................38
6.3.2. Connectivity and Permeability ............................................................................38
6.3.3. Enhancement of the Public Realm and Public Open Space ..............................39
6.3.4. Site Interfaces & Amenity Considerations ..........................................................39
6.4. Transport ............................................................................................................................40
Walking & Cycling Responses: ..........................................................................................42
Public Transport Responses: .............................................................................................42
Traffic (& Car Parking) Responses ....................................................................................42
6.5. Employment Growth and Economic Benefit ......................................................................43
6.6. Housing Diversity and Affordability ....................................................................................44
6.7. Environmentally Sustainable Design .................................................................................45
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6.8. Subdivision .........................................................................................................................46
6.9. Net Community Benefit ......................................................................................................46
7. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................48
Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................................49
Plan Melbourne ...............................................................................................................................................53
Planning Policies ............................................................................................................................................53
Reference Documents ....................................................................................................................................55
Planning Controls ...........................................................................................................................................55

Commercial 1 Zone ...........................................................................................................................55
Parking Overlay .................................................................................................................................55
General and Particular Provisions ................................................................................................................56

Clause 52.06 - Car Parking ...............................................................................................................56
Clause 52.34 - Bicycle Facilities .......................................................................................................56
Clause 53.01 - Public Open Space Contribution and Subdivision ....................................................56
Clause 66.02 – Use and Development Referrals ..............................................................................56
OVGA ................................................................................................................................................63
Workshops with DELWP ...................................................................................................................63
Wind ...................................................................................................................................64
Traffic and Transport..........................................................................................................64
Public Realm and Urban Design ........................................................................................64
Incorporated Document .....................................................................................................65
Appendix A Planning Framework

Appendix B Strategic Assessment
Appendix C Summary of Workshop Process
FIGURES
Figure 1 Master Plan Artist Impression ............................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2 Melbourne 2050 Spatial Framework (source: DELWP) ...................................................................... 5
Figure 3 Key transport connections to Box Hill ................................................................................................. 6
Figure 4 Box Hill Activity Centre Key Precincts ................................................................................................. 7
Figure 5 Box Hill Central North and South ........................................................................................................ 8
Figure 6 Existing conditions from Prospect Street looking east towards the site ............................................ 11
Figure 7 Existing conditions from Hopetoun Parade looing north west towards the site ................................ 11
Figure 8 Existing conditions internal retail space ............................................................................................ 11
Figure 9 Master Plan Extent ............................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 10 Subject site ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 11 Existing and approved development ............................................................................................... 15
Figure 12 Master Plan Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 13 Master Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 14 Public realmt .................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 15 Massing principles ........................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 16 Fairbank Park extension looking south towards Prospect Street and Lot6/7 (Artist
impression) ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 17 Laneways and arcades ................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 18 Prospect Street looking west towards Lot 1 and Fairbank Park extension (Artist impression) ....... 29
Figure 19 Public realm and benefits - ownership ............................................................................................ 31
Figure 20 Lot 4 and 5 Development Stage ...................................................................................................... 32
Figure 21 Lot 3 Development Stage ................................................................................................................ 32
Figure 24 Lot 6 and 7 Development Stage ...................................................................................................... 33
Figure 26 Specific Controls Overlay Schedule 7 plan ..................................................................................... 34
Figure 27 22 September Overshadowing Diagrams ....................................................................................... 40
Figure 28 Street Design Prioritisation (source: GTA) ...................................................................................... 41
Figure 29 Master Plan of Subdivision .............................................................................................................. 46
Figure 30 Main Street looking towards Lot 4 and Lot 5 (Artist impression) ..................................................... 47
Figure 31 Planning Scheme Zones ................................................................................................................. 51
Figure 32 Parking Overlay ............................................................................................................................... 52
TABLES
Table 1 - Parcel Particulars ............................................................................................................................. 10
Table 2 - Built Form Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 26
Table 3 - Summary of Construction Costs of Public Benefit Works ................................................................ 31
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre (BHMAC) is extremely well placed in a metropolitan context for
substantial future growth, with significant established infrastructure and potential for new development. Some
of the key attributes that set Box Hill apart include:
 A multi-modal public transport interchange (unique in the eastern metropolitan region) which will be
enhanced by the Suburban Rail Loop, which has recently commenced construction and is expected to be
fully operational when SRL East is complete by 2035.
 Located within 20 mins of the Melbourne CBD by train (regular express trains during peak hour)
 Very good access to the freeway network via the Eastern Freeway
 A significant number of development sites, with the largest being the 5.5 hectare Vicinity land across two
sites (owned and leased)
 A major medical / health precinct (Box Hill public hospital, Epworth private and medical centres) with
future growth proposed
 Major focus for employment in the eastern metropolitan region
 Major tertiary facilities in Box Hill Institute within the centre & Deakin University’s Burwood campus
nearby
 Predominantly Asian orientated resident and retail markets.

 A large open space on the north edge of the centre
 The context of the site supports high density residential development
With Melbourne growing rapidly and expected to reach over 8 million people, the Box Hill Activity Centre has
potential to position itself as a true “Metropolitan Activity Centre” and transit-oriented development (TOD).
To unlock the potential of the significant health and education base/growth, additional employment
opportunities and increasing high density residential development, strategic city-making and infrastructure
investment is required, including public realm improvements and enhanced vehicle/pedestrian connections.
The centrally located Vicinity sites are the key to unlocking future major development potential and creation
of key public realm spaces to the south of Whitehorse Road. The sites also include the vast majority of the
town centre’s retail shops and services which function as key drivers of activity to the benefit of the town
centre.
The existing Box Hill Central North shopping centre is a profitable and well-functioning centre including a
supermarket and a range of specialty stores. The centre has a value of $114 million (Dec 2021).
Notwithstanding, Vicinity has aspirations for the urban regeneration of the Box Hill Central precinct (including
both Box Hill Central North and Box Hill Central South) to define a future city for people to live, work and
play.
To this end, Vicinity and its consultant team led by Bates Smart have collaboratively developed a Master
Plan for the Box Hill Central North site (1.85 hectares) and surrounding land (0.81 hectares). Redevelopment
of the Box Hill Central South site (leasehold land owned by VicTrack) will be subject to a future planning
process once there is certainty around the future Suburban Rail Loop alignment and station.
The design of the Master Plan has evolved over more than two years, and has been informed by significant
engagement with Whitehorse City Council during that period, as well as key state government agencies. It
has had regard to Council’s objectives for the future development of the Activity Centre as well as the
broader state and metropolitan planning policy objectives seeking to facilitate the evolution of the Box Hill
Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC).
In order to implement the Master Plan, a site-specific control (via the Specific Controls Overlay (SCO)) is
appropriate given the scale and strategic importance of site. The proposed Incorporated Document to be
adopted under the SCO will provide certainty for the overall concept and objectives for Box Hill Central
North, while allowing delivery and subdivision of the site to occur in a staged manner. The certainty provided
by the Incorporated Document is critical prior to demolishing the existing shopping centre to enable the
delivery of the first two buildings and public realm works (recently approved by Council).
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BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS PLANNING FRAMEWORK 1
The development proposal outlined in this report is grounded in state and local planning policy, providing an
immediate opportunity for significant, coordinated urban renewal with a total construction cost of $1.57
million (incl GST).
Figure 1 Master Plan Artist Impression

Source: Bates Smart
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2 PLANNING FRAMEWORK BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS
1. INTRODUCTION
Box Hill Central North (BHCN) is a 1.85 hectare site located within the centre of the Box Hill Metropolitan
Activity Centre, approximately 14 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD. The site currently comprises an
internalised shopping mall with supermarket and specialty stores and an adjacent at grade car park and multi
deck car park.
The owner of the site and project proponent, Vicinity Centres, has developed a vision to undertake a
redevelopment of the site, forming the central component and a key catalyst for the broader investment in
the BHMAC.
Masterplan architect Bates Smart, in collaboration with Urbis, Lat27, GTA, MEL Consultants and Veris, have
developed a comprehensive Master Plan for BHCN which sets out a framework for curated growth focusing
on the integration of community, context and amenity to form a strong sense of place and identity for Box
Hill.
The Master Plan outlines a series of important strategies to realise the project vision, including:
 The integration into the existing urban fabric and context and creation of new connections and
permeability through the site
 Activating street edges to provide a diverse series of streets and places
 Future proofing the physical growth of the centre and surrounding developments as well as prescribing
building envelopes in line with the City of Whitehorse’s objectives for the growth of the BHMAC.
 Creating areas of public realm for community gathering and recreation
 Allowing for staged development and subdivision over time
The proposal (this Amendment) is underpinned by a thorough suite of technical assessments and consultant
reports. This report should be read in conjunction with:
 Box Hill Central North Master Plan (Bates Smart)
 Master Plan of Subdivision (Veris)
 Planning Scheme Amendment Documentation (Urbis)
 Public Realm Master Plan (Lat27)
 Transport Impact Assessment (GTA)
 Sustainability Framework (Cundall)
 Environmental Wind Assessment (MEL Consultants)
 Employment Growth and Economic Benefit Assessment (Urbis)
 Housing Diversity and Affordability Analysis (Urbis)
The structure of the planning controls will facilitate an integrated and staged development. The overarching
Master Plan provides the impetus, which has informed the preparation of an Incorporated Document to be
adopted into the Planning Scheme under the Specific Controls Overlay. The Incorporated Document
references the Master Plan as the overarching guiding framework, providing certainty with respect to the
vision and objectives, while allowing the flexibility for development and subdivision to progress in a staged
manner over a 10+ year horizon.
Once the overlay is in place and the Incorporated Document adopted into the Whitehorse Planning Scheme,
Detailed Development Plans will need to be prepared to establish the detail necessary to support future
development. Strategic reference documents and a binding legal agreement between the Proponent and
Council will help to ensure a best-practice outcome.
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2. STRATEGIC CONTEXT
2.1. THE GROWTH TASK
Over the past decade, Melbourne has experienced strong population growth with an additional 800,000
residents now calling Melbourne home. As per the Victorian Government’s metropolitan strategy, Plan
Melbourne 2017-2050, by 2051 the city will be home to approximately 8.4 million people. An additional 1.6
million dwellings and 1.8 million jobs will be required to accommodate this projected population growth.
While the impacts of COVID-19 on Victoria’s long-term population growth are not yet known, based on the
state’s strong economic fundamentals and high levels of amenity, it is assumed that population growth will
rebound following a short-term lull. It is also important to note that in the three decades since Victoria’s last
recession in the early 1990s, population forecasts have consistently underestimated Melbourne’s growth.
2.2. Metropolitan Strategic Context

To cater for future population growth and maintain Melbourne’s high levels of liveability, successive state
governments through various planning strategies have sought to direct population and jobs growth to
existing areas that are supported by infrastructure and services. Plan Melbourne identifies that approximately
65 per cent of new dwellings are likely to be delivered in established areas of Melbourne, with the remaining
35 per cent to be provided in Melbourne’s four growth corridors. Plan Melbourne also targets an aspirational
growth scenario where the established areas / greenfield split is 70/30.
Policies for the intensification and diversification of activity centres have been a mainstay of Victorian
strategic planning policy for decades. Since the release of Melbourne 2030 in 2002, activity centres have
been expressly supported to accommodate a much broader suite of land uses, at significantly greater urban
densities than had been contemplated in the past.
Plan Melbourne reinforces the important role of Box Hill in metropolitan Melbourne. Second only to the CBD,
Box Hill is one of nine Metropolitan Activity Centres identified as higher-order centres. Box Hill is also
nominated as a State Significant Health and Education precinct.
With respect to activity centres, Plan Melbourne seeks to encourage mixed-use developments and greater
housing diversity and density near employment and transport, with more opportunities and choice for
medium- and low-income households while identifying the need to increase the supply of social and
affordable housing.
Activity centres have a critical role in delivering on Plan Melbourne’s aspirations for the 20-minute city.
Twenty-minute neighbourhoods must:
 be safe, accessible and well connected for pedestrians and cyclists to optimise active transport,
 offer high-quality public realm and open spaces, provide services and destinations that support local
living,
 facilitate access to quality public transport that connects people to jobs and higher-order services,
 deliver housing/population at densities that make local services and transport viable and
 facilitate thriving local economies.
In its ambitions to deliver on the relevant policy objectives, Plan Melbourne seeks to ensure that Box Hill will
be available:
 To provide a diverse range of jobs, activities and housing for regional catchments that are well served by
public transport.
 To play a major service delivery role, including government, health, justice and education services, as
well as retail and commercial opportunities.
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Box Hill
Figure 2 - Melbourne 2050 Spatial Framework (source: DELWP)
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2.3. Eastern Region Context
Plan Melbourne anticipates more than 97,000 jobs by 2031 and 175,000 new dwellings in the eastern region
by 2051. Box Hill has a regionally significant role in servicing the eastern subregion of Melbourne as the
largest MAC in the region and a focus for health, education, services and employment.
Box Hill has excellent transport connectivity, which will be further improved with the delivery of the Suburban
Rail Loop (SRL) heavy rail connection through the centre, enabling it to draw workers, students and visitors
from a large catchment.
Figure 3 - Key transport connections to Box Hill
2.4. Box Hill Activity Centre Context

Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre (BHMAC) is located approximately 14 km to the east of Melbourne’s
CBD. It is the largest Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC) in Melbourne’s eastern region and the primary
activity centre within the City of Whitehorse.
The Activity Centre benefits from the major public transport interchange in Melbourne’s east with an
extensive network of bus routes interchanging with trains on the Lilydale and Belgrave line and the Route
109 tram.
BHMAC is much greater than the retail core. It is the major employment hub in Melbourne’s east with
expanding roles in health, education, government and retail services. The activity centre boundary, as
defined in the 2007 Structure Plan and generally consistent in recent strategic planning undertaken by
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Council, extends from Severn Street in the north; to Watts, Linsey and William Streets to the east; Albion and
Carrington roads to the south; and Kingsley Crescent and Elgar Road to the west.
There are a number of distinct precincts within the BHMAC clustered around key anchor land uses, including
the health and education precinct in the northwest, the community and civic precinct in the east, the Prospect
Street and Whitehorse Road office precincts and the retail core.
Figure 4 - Box Hill Activity Centre Key Precincts
Vicinity’s assets form a pivotal central component of the Activity Centre. Box Hill Central is divided into two
components: Box Hill Central North (Vicinity’s freehold land) and Box Hill Central South (subject to a long-
term lease from VicTrack). The railway line and Main Street form the boundary between the two
components. A portion of the retail core is outside Vicinity’s controls – generally clustered from Market Street
to the eastern side of Station Street, and on the southern side of Cambridge Street.
Box Hill Central North is the subject of the current application.
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Figure 5 - Box Hill Central North and South
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2.5. LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING CONTEXT
2.5.1. Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007
Whitehorse Council adopted the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan (the Structure Plan) in
2007, which remains the current guiding document for Council, stakeholders and the community with respect
to the BHMAC.
Since the Structure Plan was developed, significant land use, growth and demographic change has occurred
in Box Hill, in addition to strategic policy development at the state level.
The Structure Plan is discussed further at Section 4.2 of this report.
2.5.2. Ongoing Strategic Work

Council has commenced a process to review the vision and strategic direction for the BHMAC. The project
has to date included the preparation of an Analysis and Options Report (MGS, June 2019) and
commencement of drafting planning controls.
The Analysis and Options Report provides a summary of the existing situation in the Box Hill MAC, including
the planning and policy context, economic and demographic projections, development approvals and the
emerging built form.
The Report identifies opportunities for alternative approaches to planning and development in the MAC. This
includes ideas for managing population and job growth, facilitating affordable housing and delivering high
quality public spaces.
As part of the Opportunities and Constraints Analysis for Future Development (section 4.1), the Analysis and
Options Report identifies the challenge of coordinating private development outcomes to support the
significant future growth of the MAC, while delivering social, economic and community benefits at a local,
regional and metropolitan scale. This objective is at the core of Vicinity’s holistic approach to master planning
for the central, and largest, component of the activity centre.
We understand that the strategic work has been undertaken to inform a future structure plan and
controls.The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) reviewed the draft documents
and provided feedback on the controls and background documents.
In response to this feedback, we understand that the proposed controls were reviewed by Council, and the
revised Structure Plan and new Urban Design Framework were partially updated, although not all
recommendations from DELWP were accepted. At its meeting on 22 November 2021 Council resolved to
seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning on the partially updated documents.
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3. SUBJECT SITE AND SURROUNDS
3.1. SUBJECT SITE
The amendment applies to land currently developed with the Box Hill Central North Shopping Centre
including:
 17-21 Market Street and 1 Main Street, and the associated at-grade car park at 8 Prospect Street;
 the Council owned land at 2 Prospect Street and car park at 8A Prospect Street;
 sections of Main Street, Prospect Street, and Nelson Road;
 Clisby Court; and
 Fairbank Lane and the adjoining landscape reserve fronting Whitehorse Road.
The site has a total area of 26,360 square metres (see site in Figure 5 overleaf) and falls approximately 10.6
metres from the south east to the north west. The Vicinity-owned portion of the site is 18,500 square metres
in area.
The land comprises the following properties and parcels:
Table 1 - Parcel Particulars
Property Parcel Ownership
17-21 Market Street CP102909 Vicinity Centres
1 Main Street Lot 1 TP803942 Victorian Rail Track
2 Prospect Street Lot 1TP761487 Whitehorse City Council
8 Prospect Street Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 TP665882 Vicinity Centres
8A Prospect Street Lot 1 TP333223 Whitehorse City Council
Clisby Court Lot 1 and 2 TP957558 Victorian Rail Track
Nelson Road extension Lot 1TP234540 Whitehorse City Council
Fairbank Lane R1 LP82924 and Lot 2 LP45799 Whitehorse City Council
The majority of the subject land is owned by Vicinity Centres and is developed with the Box Hill Central North
Shopping Centre, a two-storey shopping centre accommodating a supermarket, retail stores, food and drink
premises, and medical facilities. The shopping centre, whilst valued at $128m, is becoming outdated and is
struggling to meet the current needs of the community, and therefore represents a major urban renewal
opportunity owing to its substantial size and strategic location at the core of the BHMAC.
The subject site is also proposed to extend to the surrounding road network, including Main Street, Prospect
Street, Nelson Road and Fairbank Lane, and includes parcels of land currently under the ownership of
Whitehorse City Council and VicTrack.
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Figure 6 Existing conditions from Prospect Street looking east towards the site
Source: Bates Smart
Figure 7 Existing conditions from Hopetoun Parade looing north west towards the site
Source: Bates Smart
Figure 8 Existing conditions internal retail space

Source: Bates Smart
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Figure 9 Master Plan Extent
Source: Bates Smart
3.2. IMMEDIATE SURROUNDS

The site’s northern boundaries interface with:
 Whitehorse Road, which currently accommodates a multi-lane arterial road and landscaping, and an
egress laneway/Fairbank Lane. Whitehorse City Council’s current draft strategic plan indicates the
intention to convert the southern carriageway to a new public open space.
 Commercial properties fronting Whitehorse Road, which include an approved multi-storey hotel (20
levels) at 874-878 Whitehorse Road and low-scale commercial buildings.
 852 Whitehorse Road, which is currently developed with a three-storey commercial building.
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Figure 10 Subject site
Source: Nearmap
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The site’s eastern boundaries interface with:
 Low-scale commercial properties fronting Market Street, which are separated from the overall site by a
laneway from Whitehorse Road to the northern boundary of the site, and a second laneway between the
site’s southern boundary to Main Street.
 Market Street, a major pedestrian thoroughfare and connection between the Box Hill Railway Station,
Bus Interchange and the Whitehorse Road tram stop.
The site’s southern boundaries interface with:
 Main Street, which is predominantly utilised as a loading area, with secondary pedestrian access
between side entrances of the Box Hill Central North and South Shopping Centres.
 1 Main Street, which is developed with the Box Hill Central South Shopping Centre and the Box Hill
Railway Station and Bus Interchange.
 The Belgrave/Lilydale Railway line
The site’s western boundaries interface with:
 Nelson Road, a local connector road.
 9-11 Prospect Street, which holds a planning permit for a multi-level residential development and is
currently under construction.
The site is located in the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre, which functions as a major provider of health,
education and retail services in Melbourne’s eastern region, and features significant higher-density
residential development. The Box Hill MAC has experienced significant growth over the last decade with the
approval and construction of developments in the order of 25-36 storeys at the core of the activity centre,
including:
 545 Station Street (34 storeys) (constructed)
 850 Whitehorse Road (36 and 26 storeys) (constructed)
 913 Whitehorse Road (20 storeys) (constructed)
 874-878 Whitehorse Road (24 storeys) (approved permit)
 9-11 Prospect Street (25 storeys) (under construction)
 31-35 Prospect Street (25 storeys) (proposed)
 34-36 Prospect Street (30 storeys) (approved permit)
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Figure 11 Existing and approved development
Source: Bates Smart
The site has excellent access to the public transport network owing to its proximity to the Box Hill Railway
Station, Box Hill Bus Interchange and the Tram Route 109 terminus. This will be further improved with the
development of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), the eastern section of which (Cheltenham to Box Hill)
commenced construction in June 2022. The site is afforded with good access to a range of commercial and
community facilities, including:
 Restaurants, retail, and entertainment facilities within the Box Hill MAC
 Public parkland at the Box Hill Gardens and Surrey Park
 Medical facilities including the Box Hill Hospital and Epworth East Hospital concentrated on Nelson Road
 Education facilities including the Box Hill Institute primarily along Whitehorse Road and Elgar Road
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4. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT
The planning policy framework for Box Hill promotes a consolidated, high-density urban form with a vibrant
range of commercial and community uses, and intensified residential development that takes advantage of
the public transport services afforded to the centre.
4.1. PLAN MELBOURNE & PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

As addressed earlier in this report, Plan Melbourne seeks to facilitate a liveable, connected and sustainable
city and envisions that ‘Melbourne will continue to be a global city of opportunity and choice’. Central to
achieving this vision is the integration of long-term land use, infrastructure and transport planning in order to
meet the city’s future environmental, population, housing and economic needs.
This in part is to be achieved by directing new and intensified development in the right locations in order to
facilitate the social, environmental, and economic benefits associated with a consolidated urban form, make
the best use of existing infrastructure and services, provide job opportunities and services closer to where
people live, and limit the need for further development into Melbourne’s peri-urban areas. Plan Melbourne
specifically directs new and intensified development to activity centres supported by good accessibility to
public transport.
Box Hill is designated as a “metropolitan activity centre” (MAC), which is the highest order of Activity Centres
outside of Melbourne’s Central Business District. MACs are envisaged to provide for a diverse range of jobs,
activities and housing and function as a major service provider of government, health, justice and education
services to regional catchments. MACs also provide key opportunities to deliver higher-density residential
development in areas with high accessibility to services and transport infrastructure, which will further
stimulate economic activity.
Box Hill also plays an important role as a “Health and education precinct” in Melbourne’s eastern region
centred around the Box Hill Hospital and Box Hill TAFE Precinct. Plan Melbourne recognises this precinct as
being of state significance, and seeks to protect and further promote health, education and ancillary activities
that will build upon the precinct’s existing strengths.
The 2019 Addendum to Plan Melbourne earmarks the construction of an orbital rail line that will connect key
locations in Melbourne’s middle suburbs, with a station proposed in Box Hill. Accordingly, the Suburban Rail
Loop will link the BHMAC to major health, education and employment centres and improve access to jobs,
retail, hospitality, education and health services in the BHMAC to a broader area of Metropolitan Melbourne.
Plan Melbourne’s strategies are enacted through the Planning Policy Framework, which also seeks to
develop the objectives for planning in Victoria (as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987) to
foster appropriate land-use and development planning policies and practices that encompass relevant
environmental, social and economic factors. The main thrust of key policies relating to the BHMAC can be
summarised as follows:
 Clause 11.01-1R Settlement – Metropolitan Melbourne directs investment and growth in a
Metropolitan Activity Centre to create a more consolidated, sustainable city, and recognises the
opportunities of the future Suburban Rail Loop to facilitate substantial growth beyond the central city to
address Melbourne’s growing population.
• Clause 11.03-1R Activity Centres – Metropolitan Melbourne supports the development and growth of
Metropolitan Activity Centres by ensuring they can accommodate significant growth for a broad range of
land uses by promoting commercial development, housing diversification and intensification in activity
centres, improving connection to active and public transport, and enhancing access to a wider range of
goods and services through the proposed high-density mixed-use precinct in a public transport hub.
• Clause 16.01-R Housing supply – Metropolitan Melbourne seeks to increase the supply and diversity
of housing choice in key locations close to employment and public transport services such as
Metropolitan Activity Centres.
• Clause 17.01-1R Diversified economy – Metropolitan Melbourne and Clause 17.02-1S Business
seek to facilitate a strong and innovative economy within Victoria, as well as highlighting the need to
locate commercial facilities in existing or planned activity centres.
• Clause 18.02-2R Principal Public Transport Network encourages the increase of the diversity and
density of development along the Principal Public Transport Network, particularly in activity centres.
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• Clause 18.02-5 Car parking encourages ‘an adequate supply of car parking that is appropriately
designed and located’.
4.2. BOX HILL TRANSIT CITY ACTIVITY CENTRE STRUCTURE PLAN & LOCAL
PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK
Land use and development in the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre is currently guided by the Box Hill
Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007 which establishes the following vision for the activity centre:
Box Hill will be sustainable, safe and accessible to all. It will be a distinctive, vibrant, diverse, inclusive,
participatory, caring and healthy community where you live, work and enjoy – day and night.
The Structure Plan establishes a framework encompassing public space network, street and laneway
network, land use activity precincts, and built form precincts which provide guidance for the activity centre’s
future development. The broad thrust of this framework focusses commercial activity and intensified built
form to the core of Box Hill, whilst preserving the specialist operations of the hospital, education, and civic
precincts, and directing new development to provide a transition down to the lower scale of the surrounding
residential hinterland.
The Structure Plan locates the subject site within the Activity Precinct A ‘Box Hill Transport and Retail
Precinct’ which envisages ‘retail sustained throughout the area complemented by entertainment, hospitality,
commercial and other uses with extended hours of activity creating a central focus for Box Hill’.
The Structure Plan also locates the site in Built Form Precinct F ‘Major Development Precinct’ which permits
high-rise development to accommodate for increased density. Whilst no height controls are prescribed for
this precinct, the Structure Plan requires that new development not overshadow key open spaces and must
incorporate transitional heights at the edges of site development to respect surrounding lower scale
precincts.
The land use and built form directives are reflected in the Whitehorse Planning Scheme, which
acknowledges the BHMAC as ‘the major focus for retail, commercial, health, transport, education and
entertainment facilities’ in Melbourne’s eastern region and identifies that the activity centre has significant
opportunities for the delivery of community, commercial, health, and cultural services, as well as higher
density residential development. These polices also seek to facilitate a quality urban design outcomes, with
accessible and lively public spaces connected by a pedestrian network that encourages use of active and
public transport.
The key local planning policies relating to the BHMAC are summarised accordingly:
• Clause 21.07 Economic Development recognises the BHMAC provides significant opportunities to act
as a major focus for retail, commercial, health, transport, education and entertainment facilities in
Melbourne’s east.
• Clause 22.07 Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre seeks to facilitate land use and development in the
Box Hill MAC line with the objectives of the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan (2007).
 Clause 22.15 Open Space Contribution identifies the need for new development to contribute to the
provision of public open space in accordance with the Whitehorse Open Space Strategy. The clause
aims to ensure that where appropriate, land suitable for public open space is set aside as part of the
design of a development so that it can be transferred to or vested in Council. The subject site is located
a sub-precinct where a land contribution is preferred.
Refer to Appendix A for a summary of the planning policy frameworks, controls, and provisions applying to
the site.
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5. THE PROPOSAL / THE MASTER PLAN
The proposed planning scheme amendment seeks to introduce an Incorporated Document into the
Whitehorse Planning Scheme that will facilitate the staged redevelopment and subdivision of the site. This
redevelopment will be guided by a Master Plan prepared by Bates Smart that establishes a precinct vision,
key land use outcomes, overarching built form guidelines, and access strategies, which is supported by
technical documents relating to landscape architecture, traffic management, and other considerations.
The Master Plan is the result of over two years of review and strategic positioning undertaken by Vicinity
Centres, Bates Smart, GTA, Urbis, and a range of specialist consultants. The project team has invested
significant time and energy into the development of the Master Plan and has engaged in an ongoing and
open dialogue with Whitehorse City Council, and various State Government bodies including the Department
of Transport, VicTrack, Suburban Rail Loop Authority and all relevant infrastructure servicing agencies.
The proposed Master Plan is a considered and comprehensive strategy that has been developed after
careful consideration of the varied opportunities and challenges presented to the site. The Master Plan will
deliver a city-shaping project, with a development value in the order of $2 billion, that will benefit the broader
BHMAC within and beyond its site boundaries.
Figure 12 Master Plan Strategy

Source: Bates Smart
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5.1. MASTER PLAN PRECINCT VISION
The vision for the Box Hill Central North Precinct outlined in Bates Smart’s Master Plan Report is for a
precinct that is vibrant and active for people to live, work and play, that leverages on and improves transport
connectivity, whilst delivering a high quality public realm including a new “civic heart” for Box Hill, with mixed-
use development that integrates with the public realm and adopts vibrant and diverse built form.
The design of the Master Plan revolves around the following precinct principles:
The Heart of Box Hill The urban regeneration of the Box

Hill Central North precinct is an opportunity to define a
future city for people to live work and play.
A place for People Successfully layering human scaled

public spaces and landscaping that link to a retail heart will
create an attractive public realm that can be enjoyed by
everyone.
Suburban to Metropolitan Diversifying Box Hill’s

architecture with a mix of modern styles, scales and
materials will make it feel more like an integrated city,
increasing community inclusiveness and sense of
belonging
Live, Work and Play Creating places that mix commercial

use with everyday life through high quality design will give
Box Hill longevity and help people to thrive.
Civic and community Basing new development on the

best elements of Box Hill’s existing character will help
enrich the area’s identity. This should be done with an eye
toward designing for contemporary cultural experiences.
Prioritise wellness Design can’t be all about style.

Shaping the built environment so that layouts, orientation,
solar access, natural ventilation and views work together
to improve wellbeing is of great importance. So, too, is
designing the precinct with a system of paths, streets and
lanes that better support cycling and walkability.
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The precinct principles will be enacted through site principles and Master Plan strategies that will guide the
design development of individual buildings and the public realm. Broadly these principles and strategies seek
to:
 Integrate the precinct with the broader BHMAC through the creation of a new east-west connection
through the site and new development that is responsive to site boundaries as well as the new internal
road network.
 Create a network of streets, laneways and arcades that will provide a high level of site permeability and
facilitate a fine-grain scale.
 Activate the precinct through ground level retail, hospitality and entertainment uses that will provide
visual interest and passive surveillance to enhance the public realm and encourage pedestrian
movement.
 Provide for a range of civic and community spaces dispersed throughout the precinct.
 Establish a new plaza that will deliver a quality civic space and provide a new town square at the heart of
the BHMAC, including an informal amphitheatre opportunity.
 Significantly increase the amount of public open space and enhance existing open space within the
precinct.
5.2. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL

The Master Plan proposes the redevelopment of the Box Hill Central North Shopping Centre site and the
surrounding land into a high-density, mixed-use precinct, featuring a new civic plaza and other enhanced
public open space, a new street network that prioritises pedestrian and bicycle movement, within a
landscaped setting. In addition to developing Vicinity Centre’s land, the proposed masterplan aims to deliver
significant upgrades to Council and VicTrack owned land.
The key elements of the Master Plan include:

 The extension of Prospect Street through to Clisby Court and connection up to the western end of Main
Street to create a new road and pedestrian link through the site linking Nelson Road to Station Street
 The establishment of a new network of streets and arcades that provide permeability through the site
and connection to the adjoining interfaces, and upgrades to existing street interfaces including Main
Street, Prospect Street, Whitehorse Road and Nelson Road.
 A new public/civic plaza at the intersection of Main Street and Prospect Street that will support a range of
activities.
 Transformation of the western end of Main Street from a loading dock/area to pedestrianised public mall.
 A wind canopy located above the public plaza to ensure the comfort and amenity of the area.
 The closure of Fairbank Lane (while maintaining existing access to 852 Whitehorse Road) and the
development of landscaped public open space that could integrate with the planning for future public
open space proposed along the southern half of Whitehorse Road, as well as providing a substantive
area of north facing public open space as part of this masterplan.
 The extension of Fairbank Park between lots 2 and 3 to create a generous, protected area of open
space that also enhances the pedestrian journey through the site and allows sun penetration to Prospect
Street. This space will be activated by the ground floor tenancies in lots 1 and 2.
 The redevelopment of 8 Nelson Road (a Council-owned car park) into a public park that will further
contribute to the public open space network within the precinct and the broader BHMAC.
 Making provision for a potential future pedestrian and bicycle connection by others over the rail corridor
that will connect Nelson Road and Thurston Street.
 The development of seven multi-level buildings ranging between 19 and 49 levels. Lots 1, 2 3, 4, 6 and 7
will be mixed use buildings developed with a podium catering for a range of uses with residential
development above. Lot 5 is proposed to accommodate commercial and retail land uses. All buildings
are proposed to provide appropriate levels of retail to activate key street frontages
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 Car parking will be provided generally within basement levels with podium car parking where
appropriate. Car parking access will be from new service lanes and Clisby Court.
The proposed masterplan layout is shown below.
Figure 13 Master Plan
Source: Bates Smart
5.3. EVOLUTION OF THE MASTER PLAN

The Master Plan has been developed to respond to the opportunities and challenges afforded to the site.
The key opportunities that the Master Plan builds upon are noted as follows:
 The substantial size of the site presents a major opportunity to deliver a new and vibrant precinct that
incorporates and facilitates generous new public spaces at the core of the BHMAC, as well as an
expanded pedestrian realm and road network. This responds to existing constraints within the BHMAC,
notably the absence of a “town centre” that is of a size sufficient to facilitate public events, and the
blockage to pedestrian movement from the train station towards Elgar Road to the west, and the health
and education precinct to the north-west, resulting from the existing shopping centre building.
 The large site allows for multiple high-density developments whilst appropriately responding to existing
and approved developments on adjoining properties and managing potential external amenity impacts.
 The site is strategically located at the commercial core of the BHMAC site, and therefore benefits from a
high degree of accessibility to existing retail, commercial, hospitality and community services, as well as
access to the education and health precinct north of Whitehorse Road, and the Box Hill Gardens (also
north of Whitehorse Road).
 The site is also afforded with excellent accessibility to public transport services given it is adjacent to the
Box Hill Railway Station and Bus Interchange located in the Box Hill Central South Shopping Centre site,
as well as the Route 109 Tram Terminus on Whitehorse Road. These services provide connection to
Melbourne’s Central Business District and a wide array of locations throughout Melbourne’s eastern
region, which will be further enhanced with the construction of the Suburban Rail Loop that will connect
key destinations within Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs. The degree of public transport accessibility is
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unique for a suburban activity centre; given this, the site presents a key opportunity to facilitate lower
levels of car ownership, which both enables more sustainable transport movements and reduces
congestion at the centre of the BHMAC.
The major challenges presented to the redevelopment of the site are as follows:
 The site has a fall of over five metres from the south-east to the north west. This challenge has been
addressed through the proposed civic staircase and amphitheatre, which successfully “designs in” the
solution whilst creating a distinctive public space that can accommodate both passive recreation and
organised public events that will enhance the BHMAC’s sense of identity.
 The existing wind conditions within the BHMAC generally, and in the vicinity of the subject site
specifically present significant challenges to the design of safe and amenable buildings and public realm.
The proposed site layout and built form parameters have been designed with the input of wind
consultants to minimise wind impacts, both within and external to the site, and to ensure the new public
realm will be an amenable environment. A wind canopy is proposed over the western end of Main Street
and the civic steps to provide wind and weather protection to the proposed public plaza.
A master planned approach has been adopted to guide the precinct’s design evolution and provide certainty
for Vicinity and other key stakeholders. The size and complexity of the project will require the precinct’s
design and construction to occur in a staged manner over a number of years. The Master Plan establishes a
unified precinct vision that will facilitate high quality architectural and urban design outcomes, whilst allowing
sufficient flexibility for the design development of each element to respond to the unique characteristics of
each site.
Following submission of the Master Plan to DELWP, the proponent and the project team entered into a
without prejudice and in good faith workshop process with DELWP, including review by the Office of the
Victorian Government Architect (OVGA), which considered matters raised by DELWP as set out in their letter
dated 30 April 2021. This process has resulted in refinements to the Master Plan, which aim to achieve the
best outcome for the site and increase the overall public benefit, whilst also achieving Vicinity’s commercial
imperatives to enable the project to be delivered. In order to qualify for the next stage of the Development
Facilitation process, Vicinity has absorbed the financial impacts associated with the additional public benefit
contributions and loss of Gross Floor Area (GFA) that have resulted from the changes.
Throughout the workshop process, the Master Plan has been refined collaboratively across a range of areas
to address the matters raised by and workshopped with DELWP. The revisions have largely been based on
a number of key moves, namely:
1. Increase and consolidate open space to a central location in the site (Fairbank Park extension)
2. Enhance north south links, including the Fairbank Park extension and Clisby Court
3. Reduced conflict to pedestrian movements via consolidation of vehicle accesses and relocation
away from key pedestrian routes
4. Spatial provisions for the future bridge link across the rail corridor, as an extension of Nelson Road
5. Review western development blocks (1 and 6/7). Consolidation of Lot 6 and 7 basements allows for
loading access to be removed from Lane 4 to allow for future pedestrian bridge across rail corridor
6. Developed the public benefit offer, including commitment of 6% of total number of residential
dwellings to be provided as Affordable Housing to the market for a period of 30 years, consistent
with Council’s condition on the Notice of Design for the residential building application.
A summary of the workshop process is provided at Appendix C.
5.4. KEY LAND USE AND DESIGN ELEMENTS

5.4.1. Site layout
As noted above, the subject site layout includes:
 Prospect Street/Clisby Court extension and connection to Main Street providing an east-west link
through the site and connection to the town centre, adjoining properties and road network.
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 A series of north-south laneways and arcades providing connection through the site and to adjoining
properties.
 A new public plaza/civic steps at the east end of Prospect Street, which connects to the west end of
Main Street, is transformed from a loading dock into pedestrianised public mall.
 Landscaping and new open space along Fairbank Lane that can integrate with the proposed future
park/open space on the southern side of Whitehorse Road, whilst providing an enhanced public open
space as part of this masterplan.
 A new open space area between Nelson Road and the west side of Lot 1.
 The extension of Fairbank Park between lots 2 and 3 to create a generous, protected area of open
space
 Seven development lots (three north of Prospect Street, three south of Prospect Street, and one north of
Main Street).
 Upgrade works to existing areas of Prospect Street and Clisby Court.
 Modifications to the Box Hill Central South Shopping Centre to construct a turntable for the centre’s
supermarket tenant’s loading bay (replacing the previous loading bay located at the western end of Main
Street).
 Provision for an extension of Nelson Road to accommodate a potential bicycle and pedestrian link over
the railway, to be delivered by others, that will connect Nelson Road and Thurston Street.
Figure 14 Public realmt
Source: Bates Smart
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5.4.2. Built Form and Design
The Master Plan establishes design criteria and built form parameters for the precinct’s redevelopment, with
the specific details of the new development to be addressed through the design development phase.
5.4.2.1. Design criteria

The Master Plan’s design criteria seek to provide guidance for the future design of the public realm and
buildings to ensure that the Master Plan’s vision is achieved. The full list of design criteria is contained in the
Bates Smart Master Plan Report, which includes:
 Connect the internal movement network with the external network
 Prioritise pedestrian and bicycle movement
 Consolidate vehicle movements and entrances
 Upgrade existing sections of the external road network that interface with the site
 Provide 24/7 access to publicly accessible open space
 Create open spaces of appropriate scale and establish a hierarchy of open spaces
 Provide appropriate wind conditions to ensure the amenity of the proposed public realm
 Target 80% activation of all proposed ground level frontages to Prospect Street, Main Street and internal
streets (excluding service lanes)
 Activate non-service zones on Whitehorse Road and Clisby Court
 Adopt podium heights of 4-5 storeys (generally)
 Provide clear front door entrances
 Ensure design of towers makes a positive contribution to the Box Hill sky line
 Provide diverse architectural façade treatments that are appropriately varied
 Provide amenity, service retail and community activation of plaza and public domain
 Prioritise public realm outcomes when considering site servicing and direct primary service to laneways
 Ensure height of developments is varied to provide visual interest
 Tower floorplates to accommodate apartment diversity and comply with Better Apartment Design
Standards
 Orient floorplates to encourage oblique views
 Comply with Whitehorse City Council sustainability standards
 Stage development in a manner that responds to variable market conditions and enable efficient
infrastructure services to avoid duplications where possible
5.4.2.2. Massing principles and built form parameters

Massing
The Master Plan establishes massing principles and approximate building heights, which direct the tallest
built form to Lot 4, which is the easternmost site and located at the approximate centre of the BHMAC’s
commercial/retail precinct.
The massing transitions down in scale towards the west to adopt heights comparable to approved and
constructed developments on Whitehorse Road and Prospect Street. The massing also steps built form
down to the south to ensure the proposed development does not overshadow the residential precinct south
of the railway line and east of Thurston Street after 11am on 22 September. This is consistent with shadow
impacts for other developments along Prospect Street and Whitehorse Road.
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Figure 15 Massing principles
Source: Bates Smart
Street wall heights

The building massing adopts podium-tower formats, which is consistent with existing development in the
BHMAC. The podiums are generally 4-5 storeys to provide appropriate human scale along the internal and
external road networks in response to the public open space anticipated within the existing Whitehorse Road
carriageway, and the pedestrians function of Prospect Street.
Upper level setbacks and building separation
Upper level setbacks to the street and laneway network have been selected to create a distinction between
the podium and towers, and to provide appropriate separation between buildings to ensure the future
amenity of the tower floorplates is maintained.
The building heights, street wall heights, setbacks above street wall and building separation are outlined
overleaf.
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Table 2 - Built Form Parameters
Lot Building height Street wall height Setbacks above street Building separation
wall
Lot 1 39 levels / AHD 229m  20m to Fairbank  5m to Fairbank Park  34m between Lot 1
Park  5m to west and Lot 2
 18m to west boundary
boundary and  5m to Prospect
Prospect Street Street
 5m to Fairbank Park
Extension
Park  5m to Fairbank Park and Lot 3
 18m to Prospect Extension
Street  5m to Prospect
Street
 3-5m to Lane 1
Park  3-5m to Lane 1 and 874-878
 18m to Prospect  5m to Prospect Whitehorse Road
Street / Clisby Court Street  30m between Lot 3
 5m to Clisby Court and Lot 5
Lot 4 49 levels / AHD 271m  28m to Prospect  4.5m to north  29 metres between
Street / Clisby Court boundary Lot 4 and Lot 5
/ public plaza  2m to Main Street  4.5m between Lot 4
 23m to Main Stret  13m to west and 880 Whitehorse
boundary Road
Lot 5 27 levels / AHD 208m  18m to Main Street,  3m to Prospect  29m between Lot 4
public plaza and Street and Lot 5
Prospect Street  1.5m to Lane 2  15m between Lot 5
 1.5m to Main Street and Lot 6
Lot 6 32 levels / AHD 204m  18m to Prospect  6m to Prospect  15m between Lot 5
Street Street and Lot 6
 5m to Lane 2  Towers of Lot 6 and
7 are joined
Lot 7 19 levels / 162 AHD  18m to Prospect  6m to Prospect  Towers of Lot 6 and
Street Street, 7 are joined 16m
 5m to Lane 3 between Lot 7 and
9-11 Prospect
Street
5.4.3. Public Open Space Network & Public Realm

The Master Plan proposes a network of new and enhanced public open spaces and public realm areas,
including:
 The civic steps and plaza will deliver a new and vibrant publicly accessible space. The civic steps and
amphitheatre will be a distinctive feature in the BHMAC urban form and deliver a unique sense of place.
The plaza will provide a place for passive recreation (i.e. workers eating lunch, visitors waiting for
friends, etc) and organised events and activities. The steps integrate with the adjoining developments.
DDA access will be provided within the adjoining buildings to ensure the space is accessible for all.
 The civic steps and plaza will be protected from the wind and other weather elements through
incorporation of a canopy, which will ensure that the new public realm will be a comfortable and
protected environment throughout the year.
 Fairbank Lane east of Nelson Road (service lane off Whitehorse Road) is proposed to be closed and
redeveloped as public open space that will integrate with the existing public open space (which is
proposed to be upgraded to significantly increase the current level of amenity provided), and the
proposed linear public park envisaged within the southern carriageway of Whitehorse Road and
extending further east of the Master Plan site (to be delivered by Whitehorse City Council). This park will
receive unobstructed access to sunlight, and contribute to an extended public open space to cater to the
BHMAC’s growing residential and worker populations. It is intended that the ground level of buildings
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fronting this space will be designed to integrate with the public open space and encourage movement
into the subject site.
 Fairbank Park Extension will be an outdoor pedestrian only connection between Fairbank Park and
Prospect Street. Activated edges with semi-permeable shelters, open lawn and shade trees create an
exciting link between the major spaces. This space will also allow for greater sunlight penetration to
Prospect Street.
 The Council-owned land at 8 Nelson Road (currently used as an at-grade car park) is proposed to be
redeveloped with a public park that will further enhance the network of landscaped public open spaces
within the precinct and mark the western entrance of the precinct.
 The western end of Main Street will be transformed from a loading dock (currently used as a loading bay
for both Box Hill Central South and North Shopping Centres) into a pedestrianised public mall.
 The laneway between Lots 2 and 3 (Lane 2) will be a shared laneway that provides vehicular access to
basement and loading for the development lots while also acting as a pedestrian connection between
Fairbank Park and Prospect Street
 The Prospect Street road reserve will be extended and widened for the bulk of its length (existing and
new) to provide enhanced pedestrian paths, cycle link and landscaping.
An integrated approach to landscaping is proposed to the of public realm areas as described in the
Landscape Report prepared by Lat27.
Figure 16 Fairbank Park extension looking south towards Prospect Street and Lot6/7 (Artist impression)
Source: Bates Smart
5.4.4. Site Links

The Master Plan has been designed to improve accessibility through the site and integrate the precinct with
the adjoining areas through a network of streets, laneways, and arcades, which have specific functions to
service the varied needs of the precinct.
The extension of Prospect Street and connection to Clisby Court will link the local road network with
Whitehorse Road and enable improved pedestrian and bicycle access within this part of the BHMAC. The
extended Prospect Street also acts as the main vehicle thoroughfare through the site that will provide access
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to the service lanes for parking, loading and other back of house requirements. Prospect Street has also
been designed with expansive pedestrian footpaths and a shared pedestrian zone adjoining the proposed
public plaza in order to prioritise Prospect Street as a pedestrian zone and promote pedestrian activity
throughout the precinct/public realm.
The Prospect Street extension and the public plaza/civic steps create a new pedestrian route that enables
direct access from Main Street to the growing Whitehorse Road and Prospect Street development corridor,
and the health and education precinct north of Whitehorse Road. The removal of the Box Hill Central North
Shopping Centre will enable significantly improved pedestrian and bicycle access within the BHMAC and will
benefit the broader area through the delivery of an activated, safe and accessible public realm.
The network of pedestrian lanes, service lanes and arcades provide links within the precinct and to the
broader BHMAC, and has specific functions to service the varied access needs:
 The lanes and arcades that are principally pedestrian oriented provide the opportunity for ground level
retail and hospitality to spill out into the public realm and activate the precinct.
 The service lanes provide access to basement car parking, loading facilities, waste facilities and other
back of house functions.
The Master Plan also extends a laneway from the southern end of Nelson Road to the railway to make
provision for a future pedestrian and bicycle link across the rail corridor to Thurston Street (by others), as
well as reopening the service laneway to the west of Market Street between Whitehorse Road and Main
Street through the removal of the existing shopping centre building.
Figure 17 Laneways and arcades
Source: Bates Smart
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Figure 18 Prospect Street looking west towards Lot 1 and Fairbank Park extension (Artist impression)
Source: Bates Smart
5.4.5. Car Parking and Loading

Generally the Master Plan locates car parking, loading and other back of house functions off service lanes to
maximise ground level space fronting Prospect St to be made available for pedestrian movement and
activated tenancies. Due to existing site constraints Lots 3 and 4 are serviced off Clisby Court.
A Transport Impact Assessment has been prepared by GTA which assesses the high-level transport impacts
associated with the development and establishes car parking rates that are reduced from the statutory
requirements that take advantage of the public transport services provided to the site and proactively reduce
traffic impacts to the broader road network.
The proposed maximum car parking rates are as follows:
 Residential:
‒ One and two bedroom apartments: 1 resident car space per apartment
‒ Three or more bedroom apartments: 2 resident car spaces per apartment
‒ Visitors: 0.1 visitor car spaces per apartment
 Office: 2 car spaces per 100 square metres net floor area
 Retail: 3.5 car spaces per 100 square metres leasable floor area
5.4.6. Precinct Employment and Residential Projections

The Master Plan proposes a mixed-use precinct that will deliver significant retail, hospitality and
entertainment uses, office space, and high-density residential development. It is anticipated that the
precinct’s redevelopment will create:
 4,279 square metres of retail space (GLAR)
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 83,203 square metres of commercial office space (GFA)
 1,750 apartments
It is estimated that the development will support close to 8,970 total ongoing FTE jobs generated per annum
to the Victorian economy upon completion, including 5,560 FTE jobs supportable on-site at capacity.
5.4.7. Public benefits delivered by the Master Plan

The Master Plan relates to a strategically located site, and is a city shaping project for the BHMAC that will
deliver a number of significant public benefits in both a physical and functional sense. The design of the
Master Plan has evolved over more than two years, and has been informed by significant engagement with
the City of Whitehorse during that period. It has had regard to Council’s objectives for the future
development of the Activity Centre as well as the broader state and metropolitan planning policy objectives
seeking to facilitate the evolution of the BHMAC. It is essential that BHMAC continues to develop to enable
it to meet the future needs of the Eastern Region of metropolitan Melbourne. This Master Plan presents a
catalyst opportunity for the BHMAC to not only unlock the potential of the subject land, but also the
surrounding areas within the Activity Centre.
From a land use perspective, the Master Plan will deliver significant benefits in the form of economic and
employment growth and housing diversity as discussed in this report and the other supporting documents. In
addition to this there will be significant public benefits delivered through the creation of new public realm, the
upgrading of existing areas, and significant improvement in permeability, including the delivery of the major
new east-west link through the site. A key component of the east-west connectivity is addressing the level
difference between Prospect Street and Main Street.
At present the site is occupied by a shopping centre building that is internalised in its design, with no external
activation other than two shopfronts to Market Street, and no public realm areas. It occupies effectively
100% of the site with either the shopping centre building or the car parking serving that centre. The quality of
the public realm adjoining it is poor, including Council owned areas that are either car park access areas
such as Fairbank Lane, or loading areas at the west end of Main Street, and Clisby Court. Also, whilst it is
possible to traverse the site from east to west whilst the shopping centre is open, it is through the shopping
centre building.
The Master Plan proposes to demolish the current shopping centre building and deliver 5,328 square metres
of new public realm areas on Vicinity owned land (approximately 29.2% of Vicinity owned land), a substantial
portion of which will become either public open space or pedestrian priority areas. In addition to this the
Master Plan will significantly enhance or transform a further 7,960 square metres of Council or VicTrack land
with approximately half of this to be public open space. The provision of these new and upgraded areas will
deliver significant community and functional benefits to the broader community of the BHMAC including:
 Improved 24-hour accessibility to the core area of the activity centre and the transport interchange.
 Significantly enhanced public open space within the core of the Activity Centre in regard to both the
quantum of new space and the enhancement of existing space.
 Significantly enhanced public realm areas through new links and improved connectivity within and
adjoining the site.
 The removal of an existing barrier to the permeability of the BHMAC (i.e. the existing shopping centre)
and the connection of Main Street, Prospect Street and Clisby Court that will significantly enhance
pedestrian connection through the BHMAC.
 The introduction of vertical transport in the form of lifts and an escalator, as well the civic steps to
address the level difference between Prospect Street and Main Street.
 The creation of an informal amphitheatre in the form of the civic steps and plaza providing opportunities
for public events in this central location.
 The redevelopment of Fairbank Lane into a park that will be integrated with the existing landscaped area
between Fairbank Lane and Whitehorse Road (which will also be upgraded), and the extension of
Fairbank Park between Lots 1 and 2. Cumulatively, this will deliver a 3,846 square metre park at the
north of the site that will benefit from excellent sunlight access, improve the amenity and accessibility of
existing green space, and connect in with the future open space contemplated by Whitehorse City
Council on Whitehorse Road.
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These public benefit aspects of the Master Plan involve significant contributions by Vicinity in the form of
works undertaken to key areas of land in various ownership, as illustrated in Figure 12 below. Table 1and
Figure 12 below summarise the construction costs of the public benefits that will be delivered by the Master
Plan, although the actual value of the benefits provided will be significantly greater than this. Importantly, a
significant component of these benefits will be delivered in the early stages of the Master Plan
implementation with the extension of Prospect Street and the connection through to Main Street.
Table 3 should be read in conjunction with Figure 12.
Table 3 - Summary of Construction Costs of Public Benefit Works
Item Public Benefit Works Delivered by Master Plan

Fairbank Park $3.29M
Open Space Nelson Park $0.49M
Contribution TOTAL $3.75M
New Open Space Created 3,273m2
Plaza $6.24M
Fairbank Park Extension $0.95M
Vicinity Additional Main St (VicTrack owned component) $2.16M
Public Realm
Main St (Council owned component) $1.61M
Contribution
Works to increase Prospect St width from 15m to 22m $4.69M
TOTAL $15.65M
Figure 19 Public realm and benefits - ownership
Source: Bates Smart
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The proposed Master Plan will unlock the potential of this centrally located site, and deliver a significant net
community benefit from the delivery of the overall development alone, but will also deliver additional public
benefits in the form of public realm additions and upgrades summarised above, that will benefit the broader
community. The significant improvement in east-west and north-south permeability, and connectivity to the
major transport interchange, as well as enhanced public open space provision will be significant benefits for
large portions of the BHMAC beyond the subject site, particularly for the areas to the west and north-west of
the Master Plan site.
5.4.8. Staging of Development

Given the substantial size of the site and the complexities of the building and public realm works, the
precinct’s redevelopment will be staged. The Master Plan includes an indicative staging process for the site’s
development as follows:
Lot 4 and Lot 5 development, Prospect Street extension, Main Street upgrades, public plaza
construction
Lot 3 development, Clisby Court upgrades, Lane 2 construction, temporary works to interfaces
Lot 2 development, Lane 1 construction, temporary works to interfaces
Lot 1 development, Fairbank Lane and Nelson Road public space works
Lot 6 development, Prospect Road upgrades (west end), temporary works to interfaces
Lot 7 development, Lane 4 construction
Figure 20 Lot 4 and 5 Development Stage Figure 21 Lot 3 Development Stage

Source: Bates Smart Source: Bates Smart
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Figure 22 Lot 2 Development Stage Figure 23 Lot 1 Development Stage
Source: Bates Smart Source: Bates Smart
Figure 24 Lot 6 and 7 Development Stage

Source: Bates Smart
The staging of development is indicative, and will ultimately respond to external factors including market
demand and other considerations.
5.5. PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT REQUEST

The Master Plan is proposed to be implemented through an amendment to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme
to insert a new Incorporated Document that will guide the use, development and subdivision of the mixed-
use precinct.
The amendment inserts a new Incorporated Document titled Box Hill Central North Master Plan into the
Whitehorse Planning Scheme to guide the use, development and subdivision of the land for a mixed-use
precinct comprising seven multi-storey buildings and public realm works.
Specifically, the amendment proposes to:
 Insert a new Incorporated Document titled Box Hill Central North Master Plan into the Whitehorse
Planning Scheme.
 Apply the Road Closure Overlay to facilitate the partial closure of Fairbank Lane (east of Nelson Road).
 Apply the Specific Controls Overlay to facilitate the site specific control Box Hill Central North Master
Plan.
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 Amend the Schedule to Clause 45.12 Specific Controls Overlay to incorporate the site specific control
Box Hill Central North Master Plan.
 Amend the Schedule to Clause 72.04 Documents Incorporated in this Scheme to incorporate the site
specific control Box Hill Central North Master Plan.
 Insert new Planning Scheme Maps – SCO7
Figure 25 Specific Controls Overlay Schedule 7 plan

Source: Urbis
A draft set of Planning Scheme Amendment documents, including a draft Explanatory Statement and draft
Incorporated Document is included in in the application submission.
5.5.1. Incorporated Document

An Incorporated Document has been prepared with the purpose of facilitating the statutory approvals for the
precinct’s redevelopment, and importantly providing certainty in regard to the delivery of the overall Master
Plan. Specifically, the Incorporated Document will enable the use, staged redevelopment and subdivision of
the site subject to a series of conditions that require the approval of detailed architectural drawings, technical
reports and other relevant documents for each building and/or public realm component addressing typical
matters such as transport, sustainability, amenity, and similar.
The detailed design of each precinct element must demonstrate consistency with the Master Plan’s vision,
precinct principles, site principles, Master Plan strategies, respond to the design criteria, and be generally in
accordance with the building massing and site layout.
5.5.2. Subdivision
The Incorporated Document enables the site to be subdivided in a staged manner in accordance with the
staged development proposed in the Master Plan.
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To facilitate the staged subdivision of the site, an initial Master Subdivision will create super lots for each
development site and the land for Public Open Space and Roads, to provide for potential future vesting in
Council ownership, in accordance with the development Master Plan. The Incorporated Document provides
the Responsible and Service Authority Conditions to be satisfied prior to a Statement of Compliance issuing
for the Master Plan of Subdivision.
Further subdivision of each stage of the development will occur following construction of the approved
building development. The Incorporated Document will also provide the Responsible and Service Authority
Conditions to be satisfied prior to a Statement of Compliance being issued for each of the further staged
Plans of Subdivision.
The further staged Plans of Subdivision will also at an appropriate time, provide the opportunity to vest in
Council ownership the Public Open Space and Roads in accordance with the layout shown on the endorsed
development Master Plan.
5.6. CURRENT PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATIONS

Vicinity Centres has lodged three planning permit applications with Whitehorse City Council, which form
Stage 1 of the site’s proposed redevelopment. These include planning permit applications for:
1. A multi-storey commercial development delivering 42,380 square metres of commercial office tenancies
located on the south side of Prospect Street (Lot 5).
2. Major public realm and site infrastructure works, including:
‒ a new public plaza
‒ a new section of road reserve extending Prospect Street to the east, and connecting it with Clisby
Court
‒ a significant upgrade to existing public realm areas and site infrastructure, including the west end of
Main Street (noting this includes Council owned roads and VicTrack owned land at 1 Main Street,
Box Hill)
‒ works to the existing shopping centre’s car parking facilities to continue their temporary use prior to
future stages of development
3. A multi-storey residential development at the eastern end of the site (Lot 4).
The applications received Notices of Decision in May 2022.
These applications are consistent with and anticipate the future delivery of the overall Master Plan. Certainty
is required in regard to the overall Master Plan prior to demolishing the existing shopping centre to enable
the delivery of these first two buildings and public realm works.
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6. PLANNING ASSESSMENT
6.1. STRATEGIC JUSTIFICATION
As demonstrated throughout this report, the proposal has strong alignment with the objectives of planning at
both a state and local level. A strategic assessment of the amendment is provided at Appendix B.
6.2. PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

The proposed Master Plan achieves a high degree of policy support from the provisions of the Whitehorse
Planning Scheme, as addressed below:
 A key objective of Plan Melbourne is to facilitate a consolidated urban form, where new jobs and housing
are delivered in a targeted manner. As one of nine existing Metropolitan Activity Centres (the highest
order of Activity Centre outside Melbourne’s Central City) and one of two MAC’s in the Eastern
Subregion, Plan Melbourne clearly envisages Box Hill as a focus for substantial growth in terms of
commercial activity, employment opportunities, and residential development. The proposal will deliver a
consolidated urban precinct that with substantial commercial floor space and high-density development
in a strategic location, at a scale that is consistent with Box Hill’s designation as a Metropolitan Activity
Centre.
 Plan Melbourne also seeks to facilitate more environmentally friendly movement within Metro Melbourne,
and consequently prioritises intensified development to transport rich areas of the city. The BHMAC is a
major intermodal transport hub, connecting train, tram and bus services providing access to CBD and
key destinations in Melbourne’s eastern region. The existing accessibility to public transport services is
unmatched for a suburban activity centre, and represents a major opportunity to facilitate significant
employment and housing growth with minimal reliance on private vehicle use.
 The strategic positioning of the BHMAC will be further enhanced when linked to other key locations by
the Suburban Rail Loop as established by Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 Addendum 2019. The proposed
rail alignment will significantly improve accessibility to major health, education and employment centres
throughout Melbourne’s middle suburbs, as well as improve access to the BHMAC’s employment, retail,
health and education sectors. SRL East (Cheltenham to Box Hill) recently commenced construction and
so the currently proposal is timely.
 The broad principle of a multi-level mixed use precinct at this location is consistent with the provisions of
Clause 21.07 ‘Economic Development’, which recognises the ‘significant opportunities’ afforded to Box
Hill in terms of its community, commercial, cultural and residential focuses. The proposed Master Plan
represents a “true” mixed use development through the inclusion of commercial spaces that can
accommodate a mix of retail, hospitality and office uses, and higher-density residential development that
will diversify housing options. This is consistent with Clause 21.07-3 ‘Objectives’, which seeks to develop
the BHMAC as ‘the major focus for retail, commercial, health, transport, education and entertainment
facilities’ in Melbourne’s eastern region, and Clause 22.07-3 ‘Policy’ which encourages the co-location of
complementary uses within the BHMAC.
 The delivery of higher-density residential development on the site is consistent with State and local
planning policies supporting increased and diversified housing within the BHMAC (Clause 15 ‘Housing ‘,
Clause 21.06 ‘Housing’; Clause 22.07-3 ‘Policy’).
 The site is well-located for substantial commercial and high-density residential development owing to its
proximity to commercial, community and recreational services and facilities within the BHMAC, many of
which are within walking distance of the site. This is responsive to the ‘Objectives’ of Clause 22.07-2
which encourage walking as the primary means of transport within the Activity Centre. The ground level
commercial uses will further enhance the retail offering within the activity centre.
 The proposed network of activated laneways and pedestrian priority areas will introduce a new form of
public realm to Box Hill and act as ‘destination hub’ to encourage pedestrian movement consistent with
Clause 22.07-3.
 The amendment will deliver new development that is consistent with the objectives of the Box Hill Transit
City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007, which include ensuring that the BHMAC can continue to expand
in line with market demand, to ensure that Box Hill provides accessible, lively and comfortable public
spaces that offer diverse opportunities for recreation and social engagement and to support walking and
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cycling as sustainable and healthy means of travel in and around Box Hill. Additionally, the objectives
also include encouraging significantly increased use of public transport and a reduction of private vehicle
use for travel to and from the BHMAC.
 The amendment seeks to accommodate a more intensive and diverse range of activities that will
increase choices and opportunities, encourage employment growth, offer opportunities for recreational
and social engagement, and supports synergies between different uses. This will contribute to the
Structure Plan’s vision for the BHMAC, and specifically for ‘Activity Precinct A: Box Hill Transport and
Retail Precinct’ which is intended to activated by ‘retail sustained throughout the area complemented by
entertainment, hospitality, commercial and other uses with extended hours of activity creating a central
focus for Box Hill’.
 The proposed built form is consistent with the site’s location in the ‘Built Form Precinct F: Major
Development Precinct’ which supports taller built form to facilitate high-density development (Clause
22.07 ‘Box Hill Activity Centre’). The height of the Master Plan is consistent with provisions seeking to
minimise overshadowing to public spaces, noting that no shadow will be cast to Main Street until after
2pm, which is designated as a “key open space”. The amendment will facilitate transitional heights at the
edges of the site to protect the amenity of the residential precinct to the south.
 The amendment also responds to the Structure Plan’s policies promoting new and upgraded public open
space throughout the centre. Specifically:
‒ The new public plaza and civic steps will create a distinctive landmark and public space at the heart
of the BHMAC and will form an amphitheatre that can accommodate a range of community events.
The plaza also provides opportunities for passive recreation that will support the precinct’s employee,
resident and visitor populations.
‒ The amendment will facilitate the closure and redevelopment of Fairbank Lane as a public park that
will provide an expansion of the existing open space to its north, and will complement the planned
public open space within the southern carriageway of Whitehorse Road. This park will receive
unobstructed access to sunlight, and contribute to an extended public open space to cater to the
BHMAC’s growing residential and worker populations. This will be further enhanced by the
substantial new public space between Lots 1 and 2. The Master Plan seeks to integrate the ground
level land uses to interface with the public open space, providing an active edge, passive
surveillance, and allowing for permeability through the subject site.
‒ The Council-owned carpark at 8 Nelson Street is proposed to be redeveloped as a park to further

enhance the public open space offering within the centre.
‒ Transformation of the west end of Main Street from a loading dock to public pedestrian mall that
extends to the proposed public plaza.
 The extension of Prospect Street and upgrades to the west end of Main Street and Clisby Court
responds to the Structure Plan’s policies to facilitate new and improved pedestrian and bicycle network
within the BHMAC. The proposed road network will encourage walking and cycling by creating
pedestrian and vehicle links and providing for bicycle use and storage.
The introduction of the Master Plan and Incorporated Document will apply site specific built form design
objectives and guidelines for the subject land and will deliver a development that aligns with the intent of the
Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 and the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.
6.3. URBAN DESIGN AND BUILT FORM

The site’s proposed redevelopment, as envisaged by the Master Plan, will deliver an attractive, amenable
and activated precinct that will significantly enhance the BHMAC’s public realm and built form character and
represents a true “city shaping” opportunity.
The proposed Master Plan establishes a vision for the delivery of a vibrant and active precinct that provides
a range of community, commercial and high-density residential land uses. This vision is supported by a
series of precinct principles and Master Plan strategies, design criteria, and an overview of the site layout,
accessibility, and public realm strategies that will inform the design of the precinct’s buildings and public
realm components.
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As such, the Master Plan provides the overarching framework for the precinct’s urban design and built form,
but does not provide specific designs for individual sites. The mechanism for the precinct’s specific design
detail is the Incorporated Document’s conditions which require the submission and approval of detailed
architectural drawings, technical reports and other documents addressing typical matters such as transport,
sustainability, amenity (as relevant to the individual lot).
6.3.1. Design Outcomes

The Master Plan focuses on the high-level vision and principles for the precinct, which the specific design of
new buildings and public realm elements must demonstrate consistency.
The Master Plan establishes a framework to ensure that the precinct:
 Will be delivered in a staged yet integrated manner, with design that connects public and private spaces.
 Facilitates a comfortable and stimulating pedestrian realm through active ground uses and weather
canopies.
 Creates visual interest through varied tower heights that will enhance the BHMAC skyline and transition
to adjoining development.
 Adopts appropriate tower separation and upper level setbacks to preserve views to the sky, achieve
equitable development opportunities external to the site, and provide good internal amenity to the tower
floorplates.
 Provides for individual building identity to ensure visual interest and diversity of built form within the site.
 Ensures that external amenity considerations are appropriately managed in terms of shadow and wind
conditions.
The Master Plan’s approach provides appropriate guidance for the precinct’s redevelopment whilst enabling
the design of each component to address the specific opportunities, challenges and requirements of each
lot, and respond to the evolving character and function of the BHMAC
6.3.2. Connectivity and Permeability

The Master Plan’s road network will deliver significant benefit to both the subject site and the broader
BHMAC.
The extension of Prospect Street to Main Street and Clisby Court is a key “city shaping” design element that
will benefit the broader BHMAC. Currently, pedestrian access between Main Street (and the Box Hill Railway
Station) and the commercial and high-density residential development focused on Whitehorse Road,
Prospect Street, and the health and education precinct north of Whitehorse Road is available either via
Market Street and along Whitehorse Road, or via a short cut through the Box Hill Central North Shopping
Centre. This requires pedestrians to walk through the internalised mall that was principally designed as a
destination for retail activities rather than as a pedestrian thoroughfare. Further, access is only available
during operating hours, thus limiting when pedestrians can “cut through” the site.
The proposed Master Plan will create a direct and external pedestrian link that prioritises pedestrian
movement and comfort. Tthis will significantly improve pedestrian permeability within the site by offering 24-
hour public access through the precinct and creating a direct connection to the BHMAC’s main retail and
hospitality precinct, the commercial and residential focused precinct along Whitehorse Road and Prospect
Street, and the health and education precinct north of Whitehorse Road. The new link deals with the
significant level difference between Main Street and Prospect Street through the introduction of the Civic
Steps, complemented by publicly accessible lifts and an escalator in the two buildings proposed either side
of the stairs that will operate 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The proposed link between Main Street and Prospect Street will also provide a new bicycle connection within
the BHMAC by creating a safe and comfortable alternative to Whitehorse Road. The Master Plan also
anticipates a future pedestrian and bicycle link over the railway line that will connect Nelson Road and
Thurston Street. The provision for the future delivery of this additional link will facilitate a further future
increase in north-south permeability within the centre and encourage greater use of active transport modes
when accessing the BHMAC.
Within the site, the Master Plan proposes a hierarchy of roads with different functions to cater to cars and
trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians. The precinct has been developed on the basis of prioritising pedestrian
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comfort through spacious footpaths and shared zones. Internal laneways provide for pedestrian activity and
permeability, as well as servicing back of house needs and access to basement car parking.
6.3.3. Enhancement of the Public Realm and Public Open Space

The Master Plan will deliver substantial public benefits through new and upgraded public spaces. The site
layout has prioritised public realm contribution, with a substantial portion of the privately owned land
dedicated to a new public plaza and civic steps, an extended Prospect Street, and generous pedestrian
footpaths. Critically, the proposed public plaza and civic steps will provide a much needed “town square”
style space at the heart of the BHMAC that will support a range of uses from passive occupation of these
spaces to organised community events. The amenity of this area will be protected through a wind canopy
that will also provide protection from rain.
The Master Plan also proposes the redevelopment of adjoining Council and VicTrack owned land, including
the closure of Fairbank Lane and 8 Nelson Street, which will be redeveloped as public open space, the
extension of Fairbank Park between Lots 1 and 2, and upgrade works to Main Street, Clisby Court and
Prospect Street. The new public open spaces will provide much-needed recreational spaces within the
BHMAC, and will complement the proposed future public park on the south side of Whitehorse Road (to be
delivered by Whitehorse City Council). The construction of the works on Council and VicTrack land will be
undertaken by Vicinity as the Proponent developer.
The Master Plan proposes the delivery of almost 10,000 square metres of new or upgraded public realm
areas at a total cost (works) of $13.03 million. This consists of:
 1,962 square metres of Vicinity land developed for public open space.
 3,366 square metres of Vicinity land developed for other public realm areas.
 3,413 square metres of WCC land developed for new and enhanced public open space
 3,639 square metres of WCC and VicTrack land upgraded as pedestrian priority public realm areas.
6.3.4. Site Interfaces & Amenity Considerations

The Master Plan has been designed with consideration to the amenity within the site, and the adjoining
properties and nearby residential areas. Whilst specific measures to address amenity will be further
addressed through the design of the proposed buildings, the Master Plan sets up a framework that will
minimise the potential for adverse impacts in terms of building separation, wind impacts, and overshadowing.
Internal building separation

The Master Plan establishes minimum separation distances between 15 to 20 metres between tower forms
to ensure that appropriate amenity will be provided to these floorplates in terms of daylight access and
outlook. The amenity of the tower floorplates will be further addressed through the specific design
development of each site, which will likely adopt greater variation in the façade design than indicated in the
Master Plan.
External upper level setbacks
The Master Plan establishes appropriate setbacks to the external boundaries to provide for equitable
development, and benefits from relatively limited direct interfaces with adjoining development sites. The
Master Plan responds to the key interfaces to ensure equitable development opportunities are maintained on
adjoining properties:
 The Master Plan requires a minimum tower setback of 4.5 metres to the north of Lot 4 as it interfaces
with 880-918 Whitehorse Road.
 The Master Plan requires a minimum tower setback of 4 metres to the east of Lot 4 as it interfaces with
23-46 Market Street.
 The Master Plan requires a minimum tower setback of 16 metres to the west of Lot 7 as it interfaces with
9 Prospect Street.
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Wind conditions
Box Hill MAC is an inherently windy location, a feature of its geography, urban context and climactic
conditions. Any development of built form commensurate with the expectations of a Metropolitan Activity
Centre will impact the existing wind conditions.
The Master Plan has been developed iteratively with close guidance from MEL Consultants, in order to
moderate the wind impacts and create a range of spaces for different activities and uses. The Master Plan
has sought to prevent any unsafe wind conditions, and to provide for walking, sitting and standing conditions
in appropriate locations.
A range of techniques have been employed to optimise wind conditions, including tower set-backs, curved
chamfering of tower corners, and providing a canopy structure over the plaza which reflects the contour of
the civic steps to avoid a funnelling effect with the level differences. It is also anticipated that localised
mitigation strategies, such as awnings, minor canopies and trees will assist with mitigation as appropriate at
the detailed development plan stage.
Overshadowing
The Master Plan seeks to facilitate new development at a scale that is proportionate to the strategic
significance of the BHMAC in delivering substantial employment and high-density residential development,
however this must be balanced with ensuring that the amenity of nearby public spaces and residential areas
is not unreasonably compromised by the new built form.
The proposed Master Plan’s massing has been developed with this in mind:
 The Master Plan’s massing will not cast additional overshadowing to key existing open spaces in the
BHMAC. Specifically, the proposed precinct will not cast shadow to Main Street between 9am and 2pm
on September 22, or Carrington Road between 11am and 3pm.
 The Master Plan’s massing steps down towards the south-west of the site, and includes stepped upper
levels as to not cast shadow to the residential area south of the railway line after 11am on September
22.
Figure 26 - 22 September Overshadowing Diagrams
Picture 1 - 11am shadow impacts (shadow in purple) Picture 2 - 2pm shadow impacts (shadow in purple)
Source: Master Plan report, Bates Smart Source: Bates Smart
A full set of shadow diagrams is included in the Master Plan.
6.4. TRANSPORT
Stantec (formerly GTA) was engaged to prepare a Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) for the Master Plan.
The report sets out a high-level assessment of the transport impacts of the proposed development
envisaged in the Master Plan including the key transport responses / design attributes that have informed the
Master Plan. Key findings of the TIA include:
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In the context of the existing site, the Master Plan for Box Hill Central North has been developed with an
approach that:
 Prioritises walking and cycling through the precinct.

 Enhances connectivity to surrounding public transport services, both for the residents / employees /
visitors of the precinct itself and the broader community in the surrounding area.
 Creates an improved public realm within the precinct, including the provision of a new street network
through the site (extension of Prospect Street and Clisby Court) which accommodate the diverse needs
to all users.
 Limits the provision of car parking (as far as commercially practicable) to proactively reduce traffic
impacts of the development of the site and encourage the use of active and public transport.
This approach is supported by international research bodies like NACTO and aligns with the Movement and
Place framework adopted in Victoria (and elsewhere in Australia) which considers the use and classification
of a street in terms of its movement function alongside its place function.
Figure 27 - Street Design Prioritisation (source: GTA)

For the Box Hill Central North precinct, the overarching implication of adopting this framework is that the
design of the new internal street proposed in the Master Plan should focus on the optimisation of the street
as a place where people are likely to dwell, with traffic movement being subservient. In this scenario,
congestion on the street should not be seen as a “problem to solve” at the expense of the place or the
movement of people, but rather an acceptable outcome that may act to discourage vehicle traffic and
maximise the amenity of the street as a place.
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The Master Plan will generate approximately 2,390 external person trips
during the weekday PM peak hour, including approximately:
1,727 person trips on public transport
198 person trips by cycling only
164 person trips by walking only
173 person trips by car
128 person trips by other modes including ride share
The Master Plan proposes to accommodate these additional trips, and improve the overall liveability of the
precinct and the Box Hill MAC, by completion of the following responses:
Walking & Cycling Responses:

 The creation of a new street network through to link Prospect Street and Clisby Court.
 The extension of Main Street to the new street network to improve pedestrian connectivity to, from and
through the site for the benefit of the Box Hill MAC and surrounding destinations like Box Hill Hospital
and Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
 The closure of Fairbank Lane to the immediate north of the Box Hill Central site to extend the park
located adjacent Whitehorse Road.
 The provision of area to facilitate ability for Council to incorporate future cycle and pedestrian link over
the train line along the western edge of the site.
 The provision of bicycle parking infrastructure which will exceed statutory requirements.
Public Transport Responses:

 The provision of improved pedestrian connections from within and through the site to the surrounding
area and to the train station.
 The provision of car parking at rates well below statutory requirements as a proactive means to reduce
traffic impacts by encouraging the use of public transport.
 The commitment to other “soft measures”, such as Green Travel Plans for each development and
enhanced wayfinding signage within the new public realm.
Traffic (& Car Parking) Responses

 The adoption of site-specific maximum car parking rates to proactively reduce traffic impacts and thereby
result in a traffic deintensification of the site. The recommended rates are:
‒ Residential:
• One-bedroom apartments: 1 resident car space per apartment
• Two-bedroom apartments: 1 resident car space per apartment
• Three-bedroom apartments: 2 resident car spaces per apartment
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• Visitors: 0.1 visitor car spaces per apartment
‒ Office: 2 car spaces per 100sqm NFA
‒ Shop: 3.5 car spaces per 100sqm NLA
 The creation of a new street network by linking Prospect Street to Clisby Court, which includes road
works at the Whitehorse Road / Clisby Court and Nelson Road / Prospect Street intersections to improve
their safety.
 The introduction of service laneways to provide vehicle access to development lots (as far as
practicable) to minimise crossovers onto Prospect Street.
 The potential to implement other measures as recommended in the Box Hill ITS with future stages of
development
These responses can be expected to safely and efficiently accommodate the anticipated trip generation of
the development of the precinct and enable enhanced connections to the Box Hill MAC, the Box Hill Train
Station and surrounding land uses likes Box Hill Hospital and Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
It is noted that the responses are also consistent with the overarching themes and recommendations of the
Box Hill ITS (September 2020) which speaks to the allocation of road space to more efficient and sustainable
modes of transport, providing a safe and secure transport network, providing accessible and integrated
walking, cycling and public transport networks and adopting a maximum car parking rate approach.
With respect to the net resultant trip generation of the redevelopment, allowing for the existing trip generation
of the retail floor area on the site, the TIA estimates that public transport trips are expected to notably
increase (+1460 trips per hour) whilst vehicle trips are expected to decrease (-370 trips per hour).
Refer to Box Hill Central North Master Plan Transport Impact Assessment (GTA, June 2022)
6.5. EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT

An Employment Growth and Economic Benefit assessment of the Box Hill Central North Master Plan has
been prepared. Specifically it provides an analysis of the number and types of jobs that could be supported
by the employment uses (i.e. commercial & retail) on-site against the employment growth target for the
BHMAC set out in Review of Strategic Direction, Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre, Analysis & Options
(June 2019) prepared by SGS Economics & Planning on behalf of Whitehorse City Council. Key Findings of
the report as summarised as follows:
• The large scale mixed-use development proposed by Vicinity Centres for its Box Hill Central North site is
expected to deliver significant economic and employment benefits to the local and state economy.
• The proposed Master Plan for Box Hill Central North includes a total of approximately 1,777 apartments,
along with 83,200 square metres of commercial office GFA, and 4,280 square metres of retail space.
Comparatively, office floorspace requirements were forecast by SGS to increase from the 2016 level of
187,000 square metres to somewhere between 253,000 square metres and 278,000 square metres for
the base case and higher growth scenario respectively by 2036 – a projected increase of between
66,000 square metres and 91,000 square metres across the whole of the MAC. The Master Plan’s
provision of office space is at the high end of the range of the findings set out in the SGS report.
• It is estimated that the development will support close to 5,510 direct FTE jobs on-site upon
completion, including around 5,363 office-based jobs. The higher office based job density will also see
the development provide more office based jobs than anticipated for the whole MAC to 2036.
• On average, 850 full-time equivalent (FTE) direct and indirect jobs are likely to be created in the
State on an annualised basis during construction, with many accruing locally. This is anticipated to
reach a peak of over 2,150 FTE jobs in 2027.
• There will be an estimated $1.37 billion per annum in direct and indirect GVA contribution generated
from the daily operation of businesses locating in the new buildings to the Victorian economy.
Construction Phase Benefits:
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Operation Phase Banafits:
In addition, the development is expected to accommodate an estimated 2,840 on-site residents at full
occupancy. Combined with on-site workers, the residents will generate a sizeable level of retail and related
spending to be directed to local businesses.
Critically, the redevelopment of the site will support the transformation of the BHMAC into a genuine mixed
use precinct, providing more diversity of employment for residents of the broader region.
The employment growth and the extent of economic benefit generated by the Master Plan reflects the city
shaping and catalyst nature of the project to transform the heart of the BHMAC.
Refer to Box Hill Central North Incorporated Document Employment Growth and Economic Benefit
Assessment (Urbis, June 2022)
6.6. HOUSING DIVERSITY AND AFFORDABILITY

A Housing Affordability Analysis with respect to the project was prepared, which identified the following key
contributions to housing diversity (within the Whitehorse local government area) that will be delivered by the
Master Plan:
 The housing diversity analysis reveals that the proposed redevelopment offers significant opportunities
to enhance housing diversity across Whitehorse LGA. Housing diversity benefits residents in Whitehorse
LGA by offering a wider choice of dwelling types, price points, product types and tenure options, as
summarised below.
 The proposed redevelopment:
‒ Introduces higher density options in a housing market that has been dominated by low-density
separate houses (68% as at Census 2016)
‒ Offers more affordable access points into the Whitehorse LGA housing market, with higher density
units presenting a 25% -50% discount on the median house price
‒ Presents residents with smaller product type options (such as 1 Beds and 2 Beds) in a housing
market where smaller product types have been limited (circa. 25% as at Census 2016)
‒ Increases rented stock, offering Whitehorse LGA residents with greater flexibility to access a home
that suits their life stage, economic circumstances and lifestyle choices. To date, rented stock in
Whitehorse LGA has been limited (28% as at Census 2016). With Build to Rent gaining government
and industry interest in Australia, there are further opportunities for Build to Rent to uplift quality and
supply of rented stock in the municipality in addition to investors in purchasing apartments.
The following key contributions to housing affordability were also identified:
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 The housing affordability analysis reveals that higher density market housing like the proposed
redevelopment can make a substantial contribution to housing affordability in Whitehorse LGA:
‒ 1 Bed product offers smaller households (single person and couple households) with a more
affordable access point into Whitehorse LGA’s housing market, whether they are seeking to rent or
purchase.
‒ Rented stock can offer a more affordable option to purchasing for some cohorts. For example, a low-
income family may not be able to afford purchasing a 2 Bed apartment, but can afford to rent at
market median rent in the meantime.
‒ Market apartments offer a range of affordable options for households earning moderate incomes,
across product types and household types and size.
‒ Market apartments can also present options for households in the low- and moderate-income bands,
especially for couples in 1 bedroom apartments or families in 2 bedroom apartments.
Positive outcomes with respect to market affordability for both rental and owner occupier product are
achieved through the delivery of the Master Plan, by substantially improving the quantum of housing,
particularly smaller apartment typologies.
Refer to Box Hill Activity Centre – Housing Diversity and Affordability (Urbis, June 2022)
6.7. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Cundall has prepared a Sustainability Framework for the project. This document outlines a strategic
framework for future development at Box Hill Central North, in terms of sustainable design principles and
their application to the site.
The Box Hill Central North Sustainability Framework takes inspiration from the Vicinity Centres Corporate
Sustainability Strategy and Sustainable Design Brief, town planning submissions already lodged for the Box
Hill Central North development, and ESD components of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. There are
opportunities for alignments and coordination between these strategic documents in the future development
of the Box Hill North precinct.
The Box Hill Central North Sustainability Framework aims to contribute to achieving the overarching
sustainability vision for the Box Hill Central North precinct development through setting headline
commitments. Headline commitments are considered to be sustainability priorities that can be applied across
the development and translate to targets at both a precinct and building level, striking a balance between
credible, quantifiable and specific commitments, and suitable flexibility to recognise potential changes in the
scheme, the economy, legislation, property markets and technology.
This document provides an outline of the key drivers and imperatives for each of the strategic sustainability
principles, providing a context for opportunities and commitments, current and in the future, and defines a
sustainability approach that will be used to drive a common strategy across the Box Hill North site. This is
made up of twelve principles that cover aspects of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The
Sustainability Framework that will be applied at Box Hill North precinct development will be consistent with
this and contribute to the overarching vision of a sustainable development.
Significant sustainability commitments have already made at Box Hill Central North, through the
Sustainability Management Plans (SMPs) submitted as part of three planning application lodged for 17-21
Market Street that have recently received Notices of Decision:
 Lot 4 - A multi-storey mixed use/residential development at the eastern end of the site
 Lot 5 - A multi-storey commercial development located on the south side of Prospect Street
 Creation of over new 3,000sqm of public domain including extension of Prospect St through to Clisby
Court and connection to Main St
The SMPs sustainability initiatives provide a pathway for demonstrating design potential to achieve an
equivalent 4 Star Green Star Design & As-Built benchmark for the mixed use/residential building (Lot 4), and
a committed 5 Star certified Green Star Design & As-Built rating for the commercial building (Lot 5). The
commitments to achieve these rates are set out in section 3.6 of the Sustainability Framework.
Refer to Box Hill Central North Sustainability Framework (Cundall, June 2022)
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6.8. SUBDIVISION
Veris has been engaged to advise on subdivision matters throughout the development of the Master Plan
and drafting of the proposed Subdivision Conditions in the Incorporated Document.
The approach to planning approval for subdivision mirrors the process for development of the Master Plan to
occur in a staged manner. The Incorporated Document approves a Master Subdivision Plan, then provides
the conditions required for further subdivision of the ‘super lots’ defined by the Master Subdivision Plan.
The whole of the Master Plan site is to be subdivided into ‘lots’ under the Master Plan, so that the vesting of
any land which may be handed over to Council or any other authority does not occur automatically on
approval of the plan of subdivision. Should vesting of any land to be handed over to Council be required,
process to do so to negotiated and agreed under 173 which we intend on putting in place for all development
contributions.
Since the initial lodgement of the Master Plan with DELWP, the key change impacting the Plan of
Subdivision is the combining of the development lots knowns as Lots 6 and 7. On the Plan of Subdivision,
these lots were previously designated Lots S7 and S8 (respectively) – now only Lot S7.
Figure 28 Master Plan of Subdivision

Source: Veris
6.9. NET COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Box Hill Central North is a complex urban renewal site. The Master Plan has drawn on the expertise of
specialist consultants in seeking to balance diverse, competing objectives to deliver redevelopment
outcomes that will catalyse the renewal of the activity centre and provide significantly improved economic
and physical outcomes for the Box Hill community. It will also deliver the certainty required by Vicinity to
demolish the existing retail centre and commence the initial stages of development, including improved
public realm and connections through the BHMAC.
Development of the Master Plan will result in a significant net benefit to the community, including:
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 A new, public east-west through link, connecting the neighbourhoods on either side of the site
 A network of streets and laneways that provide permeability through the space, balancing different
functions including activated street frontages
 New and enhanced public realm spaces, including the flagship plaza and civic stairs, north-facing
Fairbank Park and its extension between Lots 1 and 2, weather-protected laneways and other spaces to
move through and dwell in
 Landmark built form, commensurate with the strategic importance of the activity centre, as the CBD of
the east.
 Significant provision of commercial office space to facilitate jobs growth in the centre
 Contribution to housing affordability through quantum and diversity of residential products.
 Contributing to exemplar 20-minute neighbourhood outcomes by capitalising on existing public transport
connectivity and the Suburban Rail Loop, and development a mix of employment, residential and social
uses.
Figure 29 Main Street looking towards Lot 4 and Lot 5 (Artist impression)
Source: Bates Smart
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7. CONCLUSION
The Box Hill Central North Master Plan relates to a strategically located site, and is a city shaping project for
the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre that will deliver a number of significant public and economic benefits
in both a physical and functional sense.
It is essential that this MAC continues to develop to enable it to meet the future needs of the Eastern Region
of metropolitan Melbourne. This Master Plan presents a catalyst opportunity for the Box Hill MAC to not only
unlock the potential of the subject land, but also enhance the surrounding areas within the Activity Centre.
The design of the Master Plan has evolved over more than two years, and has been informed by significant
engagement with the City of Whitehorse during that period. The proposed development of the site supports
the objectives of key State and local planning policy and is consistent with the objectives of Plan Melbourne
2017-2050.
A development of this scale is a long-term proposition and the future will see major changes for Melbourne
as its population continues to grow and evolve. The proposed approach employs the tools available in the
Victorian planning system to provide both certainty of vision and objectives as well as flexibility to ensure that
detailed design of each stage can respond to changing needs and drivers.
There is strong strategic support for the proposal and the assessment outlined in this report demonstrates
that the Amendment should be supported for the following reasons:
 Box Hill Central North is a critical catalyst site at the heart of the BHMAC. As such it requires a tailored
planning approach to capitalise on this potential.
 The proposed planning framework sets the vision and objectives that provide certainty that the desired
outcomes will be achieved through future Detailed Development Plans.
 The site’s redevelopment will benefit the broader BHMAC through the delivery of substantial job growth
within the centre that will strengthen the local economy and support the transformation of the BHMAC
into a genuine mixed use activity centre.
 The redevelopment will facilitate a network of new open spaces, plazas and public realm areas that will
enhance the amenity and identity of the BHMAC for residents, workers, and visitors.
 The development will provide housing diversity and choice, fit for the needs and expectations of a
diverse community now and into the future.
 The increase in residential and employment uses will support the government’s investment in transport
infrastructure including the Suburban Rail Loop.
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DISCLAIMER
This report is dated 23 June 2022 and incorporates information and events up to that date only and excludes
any information arising, or event occurring, after that date which may affect the validity of Urbis Pty Ltd
(Urbis) opinion in this report. Urbis prepared this report on the instructions, and for the benefit only, of
Vicinity Centres (Instructing Party) for the purpose of planning report (Purpose) and not for any other
purpose or use. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Urbis expressly disclaims all liability, whether
direct or indirect, to the Instructing Party which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose other
than the Purpose, and to any other person which relies or purports to rely on this report for any purpose
whatsoever (including the Purpose).
In preparing this report, Urbis was required to make judgements which may be affected by unforeseen future
events, the likelihood and effects of which are not capable of precise assessment.
All surveys, forecasts, projections and recommendations contained in or associated with this report are
made in good faith and on the basis of information supplied to Urbis at the date of this report, and upon
which Urbis relied. Achievement of the projections and budgets set out in this report will depend, among
other things, on the actions of others over which Urbis has no control.
In preparing this report, Urbis may rely on or refer to documents in a language other than English, which
Urbis may arrange to be translated. Urbis is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of such
translations and disclaims any liability for any statement or opinion made in this report being inaccurate or
incomplete arising from such translations.
Whilst Urbis has made all reasonable inquiries it believes necessary in preparing this report, it is not
responsible for determining the completeness or accuracy of information provided to it. Urbis (including its
officers and personnel) is not liable for any errors or omissions, including in information provided by the
Instructing Party or another person or upon which Urbis relies, provided that such errors or omissions are not
made by Urbis recklessly or in bad faith.
This report has been prepared with due care and diligence by Urbis and the statements and opinions given
by Urbis in this report are given in good faith and in the reasonable belief that they are correct and not
misleading, subject to the limitations above.
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APPENDIX A PLANNING FRAMEWORK
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Figure 30 - Planning Scheme Zones
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Figure 31 - Parking Overlay
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The following planning policies and controls currently apply to the subject site.
PLAN MELBOURNE
Plan Melbourne: 2017-2050 provides an overarching strategy to guide Metropolitan Melbourne’s
development to the year 2050, with the vision that ‘Melbourne will continue to be a global city of opportunity
and choice’. Plan Melbourne seeks to ‘integrate long-term land use, infrastructure and transport planning,
and, in doing so, meet the city’s future environmental, population, housing and employment needs’.
Central to Plan Melbourne’s strategy is the concept of urban consolidation in the right locations in order to
make the best use of existing infrastructure, facilitate active suburban centres that provide a range of
commercial, entertainment, community and health facilities, create “20 minute neighbourhoods” where
residents can access a range of day to day services within a short journey from their homes, provide job
opportunities close to where people live, and to protect Melbourne’s peri-urban areas from urban sprawl.
These objectives are in part to be achieved through promoting new development within new and existing
Activity Centres throughout Metropolitan Melbourne.
Box Hill is designated as a “Metropolitan activity centre” (MAC), which is the highest order of Activity Centres
outside of Melbourne’s Central Business District. MACs are envisaged to provide for a diverse range of jobs,
activities and housing and function as a major service provider of government, health, justice and education
services to regional catchments. MACs also provide key opportunities to deliver higher-density residential
development in areas with high accessibility to services and transport infrastructure, which will further
stimulate economic activity.
Box Hill also plays an important role as a “Health and education precinct” in Melbourne’s eastern region
centred around the Box Hill Hospital and Box Hill TAFE Precinct. Plan Melbourne recognises this precinct as
being of state significance, and seeks to protect and further promote health, education and ancillary activities
that will build upon the precinct’s existing strengths.
PLANNING POLICIES
The Planning Policy Framework seeks to develop the objectives for planning in Victoria (as set out in the
Planning and Environment 1987) to foster appropriate land-use and development planning policies and
practices that encompass relevant environmental, social and economic factors.
The main thrust of these policies can be summarised as follows:
Clause 11.01-1S Settlement contains objectives and strategies that seek to limit urban sprawl and promote
urban renewal and infill redevelopment opportunities (in part through developing compact urban areas
around activity centres) to maximise accessibility to facilities and services.
Clause 11.02-1S Supply of urban land and Clause 11.02-2S Structure planning seeks to facilitate the
orderly development of consolidated and intensified urban areas.
Clause 11.03-1R Activity Centres – Metropolitan Melbourne supports the development and growth of
Metropolitan Activity Centres by ensuring they can accommodate significant growth for a broad range of land
uses.
Clause 15.01-1R (Urban design – Metropolitan Melbourne), Clause 15.01-4S (Healthy
neighbourhoods), and Clause 15.01-4R (Healthy neighbourhoods – Metropolitan Melbourne) seek to
facilitate urban environments that are safe, function and enjoyable, which contribute to an emerging sense of
place and foster healthy and active neighbourhoods. Key to this is the creation of 20 minute neighbourhoods
to enable people to meet most of their daily needs within a 20 minute trip from their home.
Clause 16.01-1S Housing supply, Clause 16.01-R Housing supply – Metropolitan Melbourne and
Clause 16.01-2S Housing affordability seek to locate new housing close to activity centres and offer good
access to services and transport and to provide for a range of housing types to meet increasingly diverse
needs.
Clause 17.01-1S Diversified economy, Clause 17.01-1R Diversified economy – Metropolitan
Melbourne, and Clause 17.02-1S Business seek to facilitate a strong and innovative economy within
Victoria, as well as highlighting the need to locate commercial facilities in existing or planned activity centres.
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Clause 18.01-1S Land use and transport planning, Clause 18.01-2S Transport system, Clause 18.02-
1R Sustainable personal transport – Metropolitan Melbourne, and Clause 18.02-2R Principle Public
Transport Network encourages the increase the diversity and density of development along the Principal
Public Transport Network, particularly in activity centres.
Clause 18.02-4S Car parking encourages ‘an adequate supply of car parking that is appropriately designed
and located’ which involves allocating car parking subject to public transport, car parking demand, road
capacity and potential for demand management of car parking.
The local policy framework supports the development of the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC) as a
primary driver of growth in Whitehorse.
Clause 21.06 Housing identifies opportunities within the Box Hill MAC to provide opportunities for residential
growth and supports housing directions of the existing structure plan, in this case, the Box Hill Transit City
Activity Centre Structure Plan (2007).
Clause 21.07 Economic Development recognises the Box Hill MAC provides significant opportunities to act
as a major focus for retail, commercial, health, transport, education and entertainment facilities in
Melbourne’s east.
Clause 22.07 Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre seeks to facilitate land use and development in the
Box Hill MAC line with the objectives of the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan (2007).
Clause 22.07-2 Objectives outlines objectives for future development in the Box Hill MAC; the following are
to the proposal:
 To ensure that the Box Hill Central Activities Area can continue to expand in line with market demand.
 To ensure that future development within the Box Hill Central Activities Area seeks to maximise
employment growth for Whitehorse.
 To ensure that Box Hill provides accessible, lively and comfortable public spaces that offer diverse
opportunities for recreation and social engagement.
 To support walking as the primary means of access in and around Box Hill and encourage most trips of
1km or less to be taken on foot.
 To encourage significantly increased use of public transport and reduced rates in the use of private
vehicular transport for travel to and from the Box Hill Activity Centre.
 To carefully manage vehicular traffic in Box Hill to support choice of travel mode and create transit
supportive roads (as defined by the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007).
 To ensure that car parking in Box Hill balances access, sustainable transport and land use needs.
 To ensure that Box Hill accommodates a more intensive and diverse range of activities that increase
choices and opportunities, support synergies between different uses, encourage use of sustainable
transport and complement surrounding areas.
Clause 22.07-3 Policy seeks to ensure land use and development within the Box Hill Activity Centre is
consistent with the vision, activity and built form precincts in the Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure
Plan (2007). Of relevance to the current proposal, Council encourages use and development that:
 Promotes public transport and reduced use of cars.
 Increases the use of sustainable transport options for travel to and within the Activity Centre.
 Encourages lower parking provision rates in new development.
 Supports sharing of parking spaces between multiple users.
 Seeks to maximise growth in employment for the City of Whitehorse.
 Creates more and diverse opportunities for housing.
 Creates street-orientated development.
 Promotes design excellence.
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 Encourages development that contributes to Box Hill’s sense of place.
Clause 22.07 identifies the subject site within the following precincts:
Activity Precinct A ‘Box Hill Transport and Retail Precinct’, which envisages ‘retail sustained throughout the
area complemented by entertainment, hospitality, commercial and other uses with extended hours of activity
creating a central focus for Box Hill’
Built Form Precinct F ‘Major Development Precinct’, which permits high-rise development to accommodate
for increased density. Proposed developments must not overshadow open spaces and must incorporate
transitional heights at the edges of site development to respect surrounding lower scale precincts.
Clause 22.15 Open Space Contribution identifies the need for new development to contribute to the
provision of public open space in accordance with the Whitehorse Open Space Strategy. The clause aims to
ensure that where appropriate, land suitable for public open space is set aside as part of the design of a
development so that it can be transferred to or vested in Council. The subject site is located a sub-precinct
where a land contribution is preferred.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The Box Hill Transit City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007 is a reference document of the Whitehorse
Planning Scheme at Clause 22.07-4.
The Structure Plan’s broad framework (as outlined at Page 13) encompasses a ‘network of public spaces’
within a ‘fine grain network of safe and attractive streets and laneway’ where walking and public transport
use is encouraged. ‘Land uses that complement the qualities of their immediate area’ should be provided
within ‘buildings contribute to the quality of the public environment, protect the amenity of neighbouring
users, and provide appropriate transitions between areas of significant change and areas of relative stability’.
The Structure Plan encourages the activity centre’s substantial development to occur within the core of the
centre, with built form transitioning down to the surrounding residential areas.
PLANNING CONTROLS
COMMERCIAL 1 ZONE
The site is located in the Commercial 1 Zone (Clause 34.01), the relevant purposes of which are:
 To implement the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Planning Policy Framework.
 To create vibrant mixed-use commercial centres for retail, office, business, entertainment and community
uses.
 To provide for residential uses at densities complementary to the role and scale of the commercial
centre.
Pursuant to the Commercial 1 Zone:
 A planning permit is required for accommodation (including a dwelling) where any frontage at ground
level exceeds 2 metres. Given the proposed development exceeds 2 metres, a planning permit is
required.
 No planning permit is required for the office and retail premises uses.
PARKING OVERLAY
The Parking Overlay identifies the following objections:
 Manage car parking demand and supply to satisfy user needs (with a focus on maintaining/increasing the
viability of Box Hill).
 Locate and manage car parking as to minimize traffic generated by the search for a parking space.
 Reduce vehicle trips through minimizing parking provision where appropriate.
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 Encourage the use of active and sustainable travel modes rather than increased private vehicle travel.
 Improve general amenity for pedestrians within Box Hill to increase the willingness for visitors and staff to
walk to and within the Centre to their destination.
The Parking Overlay allocates minimum car parking rates for dwelling and office uses at a lower rate than
the statutory requirements prescribed by Clause 52.06-5 of the planning scheme. All other uses should
accord with Column B of Table 1 of Clause 52.06-5.
Pursuant to Section 3.0 to the PO1, a planning permit is required to reduce the minimum of car parking
spaces required under this schedule.
GENERAL AND PARTICULAR PROVISIONS

CLAUSE 52.06 - CAR PARKING
Clause 52.06 outlines the number of car parking spaces applicable to specified uses. Given the site is in a
Parking Overlay, the rates specified in Schedule 1 to the Parking Overlay and Column B of Table 1 to the
Parking Overlay apply.
CLAUSE 52.34 - BICYCLE FACILITIES

Clause 52.34 outlines the number of bicycle parking spaces and end of trip facilities applicable to specified
uses. The proposed development has a statutory requirement to provide 113 employee/resident spaces and
63 visitor/shopper spaces (176 spaces in total), as well as 3 change/rooms showers.
The development proposes to provide a total of 398 bicycle parking spaces, and 39 showers, which
significantly exceeds the minimum requirements under Clause 52.34.
CLAUSE 53.01 - PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION AND SUBDIVISION

Clause 53.01 specifies the contribution required to subdivide land. This contribution is calculated as either:
 a percentage of the land intended to be used for residential, industrial or commercial purposes, or;
 a percentage of the site value of such land, or;
 a combination of both
In the Whitehorse Open Space Strategy (2007) the subject site is located in a sub-precinct where a land
contribution is preferably sought and must be at minimum 4% of the land or a contribution rate greater than
4% subject to negotiation of a development plan as seen as Schedule 1 of 53.01.
CLAUSE 66.02 – USE AND DEVELOPMENT REFERRALS

Pursuant to Clause 66.02-11 (Integrated Public Transport Planning), an application to subdivide, to construct
a building or to construct or carry out works for a commercial building comprising 10,000 or more square
metres of leasable floor area must be referred to the Head of Transport Victoria as a determining referral
authority.
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APPENDIX B STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
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BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT 57
Minister’s Direction No. 11 Strategic Assessment of Amendments requires a planning authority to evaluate
and discuss how an amendment addresses a number of strategic considerations. The following provides and
assessment of the proposed amendment against these guidelines.
Why is the amendment required?
The amendment is required to facilitate the staged redevelopment of the land at 17-21 Market Street and 1
Main Street, 8 Prospect Street and 8A Prospect Street, Main Street and Prospect Street for the purpose of
constructing seven multi-storey mixed-use buildings, a new public plaza, new public open spaces, a wind
canopy, upgrades to the existing public realm, extending and connecting Prospect Street and Clisby Court,
and constructing a new road network serving the site’s redevelopment.
The site is located in the commercial core of the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre (BHMAC), which is a
key centre for commercial, retail, education, and healthcare services in Melbourne’s eastern region, and
features significant higher-density residential development. The BHMAC serves as a key public transport
hub comprising the Box Hill Railway Station, Bus Interchange, and Route 109 tram services.
The majority of the subject land is owned by Vicinity Centres and is developed with the Box Hill Central North
Shopping Centre, a two-storey shopping centre accommodating a supermarket, retail stores, food and drink
premises, and medical facilities. The current shopping centre provides a retail offer to the community,
however it is an underdevelopment of the site and represents a major urban renewal opportunity owing to its
substantial size and strategic location at the core of the BHMAC.
Vicinity Centres intends to undertake a staged redevelopment of the site to deliver a vibrant mixed-use
precinct incorporating retail, entertainment and lifestyle uses, significant employment space in the form of
commercial offices, high-density residential development, and other complementary land uses within seven
multi-level buildings. The redevelopment of the site will also create a new major public plaza and significant
public realm upgrades including the extension of Prospect Street, and significant improvements to Clisby
Court and the west end of Main Street. A wind canopy above the public plaza will assist in facilitating a
comfortable environment within the site and the surrounding areas. The redevelopment will also integrate
Fairbank Lane into adjacent open space and provide a catalyst for future open space along the southern
side of Whitehorse Road and proposes to redevelop the Council owned at-grade carpark at 8A Prospect
Street as a public open space. This will provide for improved connectivity within the Box Hill Metropolitan
Activity Centre, including new and upgraded roadways and pedestrian thoroughfares and improved access
to existing and future public transport services.
Given the size and significance of the site, the proposed redevelopment of the shopping centre site will
require a staged approach, and certainty is required to support the investment needed to unlock this
potential. The Incorporated Document is proposed to deliver a master-planned approach to the site by
developing a framework for site-specific land use and built form outcomes. The intent of the Box Hill Central
North Master Plan is the delivery of an integrated precinct, with substantial development that features quality
architectural and urban design outcomes, and unlocks new and improved pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle
connectivity at the centre of the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre.
The Incorporated Document proposal is consistent with long standing planning policies and strategies that
have recognised the regional significance of Box Hill and sought to support its function as a major provider of
commercial, community and transport development and services. An amendment to the Whitehorse
Planning Scheme is the most appropriate means to facilitate the anticipated precinct renewal and will provide
for good and orderly planning outcomes for the site.
The redevelopment under the Box Hill Central North Master Plan will result in net community benefit through
the delivery of a new public plaza and extended road and pedestrian networks that will significantly enhance
and add to the public realm, as well as improve connectivity within the BHMAC. The amendment will deliver
a new public open space at the Council-owned car park at 8A Prospect Street, and the closure of Fairbank
Lane will also contribute to future open space planned along Whitehorse Road. It will also provide significant
new employment opportunities, and active frontages at ground level that will enhance the vitality and
commercial operation of the BHMAC.
How does the amendment implement the objectives of planning in Victoria?
The amendment implements the objectives of planning in Victoria outlined within Section 4(1) of the Planning
and Environment Act 1987, the following being of relevance to this amendment:
a) To provide for the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use and development of land;
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58 STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS
b) To secure a pleasant, efficient and safe working, living and recreational environment for all Victorians
and visitors to Victoria;
c) To conserve and enhance those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic,
architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value;
d) To facilitate development in accordance with the objectives set out in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e);
e) To balance the present and future interests of all Victorians.
The amendment will enable the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use of land that will contribute to
achieving the strategic planning objectives for the BHMAC.
The introduction of an Incorporated Document to specifically guide the development of the whole site via a
masterplan approval will provide the certainty required to and will facilitate new commercial and high-density
mixed-use development which will contribute to the diversity of uses, housing stock, and built form to achieve
the vision for the Box Hill MAC.
How does the amendment address any environmental, social and economic effects?
The amendment and planning permit application will have positive effects on the environment by making
efficient use of an underutilised site that is well connected to existing infrastructure in an established urban
area. The development proposal incorporates a wide range of environmentally sustainable design (ESD)
features to ensure the environmental impacts of intensifying the land uses on the site are minimised.
The amendment will deliver positive social benefits through revitalising and activating a large parcel of
underutilised land. The development will provide an improved community use through the creation of a new
public plaza/civic steps, new open spaces on Fairbank Lane and 8 Nelson Road, and improved connectivity
through the site that will facilitate recreational and social interaction opportunities. The new development will
provide a safer environment with activated street frontages and passive surveillance provided by the new
built form and improved public realm that will replace the existing underutilised site. The amendment will also
provide ability for increased housing supply, diversity of housing product as well as housing affordability to
meet demand in the rapidly growing area.
The site is an appropriate location for intensified development given it is within the core of the BHMAC, is
proximity to well established commercial, retail, education and health facilities, and is supported by high
levels of accessibility to train, bus and tram services. The site is buffered from the nearest residential precinct
by the Belgrave/Lilydale Train Line, and the eventual built form anticipated by the Incorporated Document
expected to have a positive impact on the environment by ensuring that new development enabled by the
amendment is responsive to the emerging character of Box Hill, and the surrounding developments by
generating appropriate transitions in height and scale to the nearby development sites..
The amendment will assist in facilitating economic growth in the BHMAC by providing guidance on the land
use and built form outcomes for the site in order to deliver a vibrant mixed-use precinct with substantial
commercial and retail floor space. The site is located in an existing commercial area of a Metropolitan
Activity Centre where commercial land uses are encouraged. The precinct will deliver a range of commercial,
retail, hospitality and entertainment facilities that will enhance and diversify the current economic function of
the BHMAC and provide for local employment opportunities.
Does the amendment address relevant bushfire risk?
The land affected by the amendment is not located within area of identified bushfire risk.
Does the amendment comply with the requirements of any Minister’s Direction applicable to the
amendment?
The amendment has been prepared in accordance with the Ministerial Direction on the Form and Content of
Planning Schemes under section 7(5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
The amendment is consistent with Directions 9 (Metropolitan Strategy) and 11 (Strategic Assessment of
Amendments). Specifically, the amendment is consistent with the Ministerial Direction 9 Metropolitan
Strategy (Plan Melbourne) given the use and redevelopment of the site will align with objectives to deliver
jobs and investment and promote Melbourne as a global city of opportunity and choice, delivering social and
economic benefits. Plan Melbourne identifies Box Hill as a Metropolitan Activity Centre providing significant
opportunities for investment in retail, education, entertainment, and higher density residential development.
How does the amendment support or implement the Planning Policy Framework and any adopted
State policy?
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This amendment will align with the relevant clauses as below:
Clause 11.01-1S (Settlement) and Clause 11.01-1R (Settlement – Metropolitan Melbourne)
The amendment aligns with settlement objectives and strategies that seek to limit urban sprawl and promote
urban renewal and infill redevelopment opportunities (in part through developing compact urban areas
around activity centres) to maximise accessibility to facilities and services. Specifically, the amendment will
direct investment and growth in a Metropolitan Activity Centre to create a more consolidated, sustainable
city, and recognises the opportunities of the future Suburban Rail Loop to facilitate substantial growth
beyond the central city to address Melbourne’s growing population. The amendment will also provide greater
choice in housing and enable employment growth and improved access to services and facilities.
Clause 11.02-1S (Supply of urban land) and Clause 11.02-2S (Structure planning)
The amendment recognises the opportunities of the site for a consolidated and intensified urban area and
will facilitate the orderly development of the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre by establishing a
masterplan for the site that will guide its future staged redevelopment.
Clause 11.03-1S (Activity centres) and Clause 11.03-1R (Activity centres – Metropolitan Melbourne)
This amendment will facilitate major commercial, residential and retail development within a Metropolitan
Activity Centre in an orderly manner. The Master Plan approach will ensure effective planning and
management of the site’s future land use and development that supports the role and function of the Box Hill
Metropolitan Activity Centre that supports policies promoting commercial development, housing
diversification and intensification in activity centres, improving connection to active and public transport, and
enhancing access to a wider range of goods and services through the proposed high-density mixed-use
precinct in a public transport hub.
Clause 15.01-1R (Urban design – Metropolitan Melbourne), Clause 15.01-4S (Healthy neighbourhoods), and
Clause 15.01-4R (Healthy neighbourhoods – Metropolitan Melbourne)
The amendment will facilitate urban environments that are safe, function and enjoyable, which contribute to
an emerging sense of place in the BHMAC. The built form outcomes of the proposed amendment will
contribute positively to the emerging context and enhance the public realm, which in turn, will help foster
healthy and active neighbourhoods. The mixed-use precinct envisaged by the Master Plan development will
also contribute to the creation of 20 minute neighbourhoods, which will enable people to meet most of their
daily needs within a 20 minute trip from their home.
Clause 16.01-1S (Housing supply), Clause 16.01-R (Housing supply – Metropolitan Melbourne) and Clause
16.01-2S (Housing affordability)
The amendment will increase the supply and diversity of housing choice in a Metropolitan Activity Centre.
The amendment will deliver housing density, quality, affordability and type that reflects the desired future
character for the Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre and is situated within close proximity to employment
and transport services.
Clause 17.01-1S (Diversified economy), Clause 17.01-1R (Diversified economy – Metropolitan Melbourne),
and Clause 17.02-1S (Business)
The amendment will help meet the needs of the community through the provision of:
 Retail and hospitality floorspace to support local employment opportunities and encourage spending in
the local area.
 Significant commercial and office floor space that will contribute to the development of the Box Hill
Metropolitan Activity Centre as a major commercial hub and Health and Education Precinct for the
eastern metropolitan region.
Clause 18.01-1S (Land use and transport planning), Clause 18.01-2S (Transport system), Clause 18.02-1R
(Sustainable personal transport – Metropolitan Melbourne), Clause 18.02-2R (Principal Public Transport
Network), and Clause 18.02-4S (Car parking)
The development will help facilitate sustainable personal transport by locating in an area with good access to
public transport, as well as enhancing connections to public transport from other parts of the Activity Centre,
and by providing on-site bike parking facilities and amenities. The proposed car parking provision will reflect
the proposal to promote sustainable modes of transport over vehicle use.
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How does the amendment support or implement the Local Planning Policy Framework, and
specifically the Municipal Strategic Statement?
Consistent with the policy objectives of the Municipal Strategic Statement and Local Planning Policy
Framework, this amendment will align with relevant clauses as below:
Clause 21.03 (A vision for the City of Whitehorse)
The amendment will assist with achieving the City of Whitehorse’s vision through maintaining and enhancing
the built environment to ensure a liveable and sustainable city.
Clause 21.06 (Housing)
The amendment is responsive to this policy, which encourages higher density residential growth within
‘substantial change’ areas, such as activity centres where the site is located (BHMAC), that are best able to
sustain substantial change. The size of the site and its characteristics provide the opportunity to
accommodate higher-density residential development.
Clause 21.07 (Economic Development)
Box Hill as an identified Metropolitan Activities Centre (MAC) which provides significant opportunities for
investment in commercial and retail, education, entertainment and higher density residential development
that will strength the role of the area as a major regional activity centre. The amendment will deliver a mixed-
use precinct through commercial and retail space that can accommodate a variety of uses including office,
retail, entertainment and hospitality uses that will maximise employment opportunities and growth for Box Hill
and Whitehorse more broadly
Clause 22.07-2 (Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre)
The amendment will deliver new development that is consistent with the objectives of the Box Hill Transit
City Activity Centre Structure Plan 2007, which include ensuring that the BHMAC can continue to expand in
line with market demand, to ensure that Box Hill provides accessible, lively and comfortable public spaces
that offer diverse opportunities for recreation and social engagement and to support walking and cycling as
sustainable and healthy means of travel in and around Box Hill. Additionally, the objectives also include
encouraging significantly increased use of public transport and a reduction of private vehicle use for travel to
and from the BHMAC.
The amendment seeks to accommodate a more intensive and diverse range of activities that increase
choices and opportunities, encourage employment growth, offer opportunities for recreational and social
engagement, and supports synergies between different uses. The amendment also seeks to create a new
public plaza/civic steps that will provide a key social infrastructure that responds to an identified need for
more public space within the BHMAC. Additionally, the amendment will facilitate the closure and
redevelopment of Fairbank Lane as a public park that will be integrated with an upgrade of the adjacent
public open space and provide a catalyst for the proposed public open space within the southern
carriageway of Whitehorse Road. The Council-owned carpark at 8 Nelson Street is proposed to be
redeveloped as a park to further enhance the public open space offering within the centre. The extension of
Prospect Street and upgrades to the west end of Main Street and Clisby Court will encourage walking and
cycling by creating pedestrian and vehicle links and providing for bicycle use and storage.
Clause 22.07-3 recognises the need to create more and diverse opportunities for housing that will contribute
to the land use mix, economic and social activities of the area, protect access to public open space, improve
pedestrian amenity, and promote economic growth within the Box Hill MAC.
The introduction of the Incorporated Document will apply site specific built form design objectives and
guidelines for the subject land and will deliver a development that aligns with the intent of the Structure Plan.
The built form is designed to protect the amenity of the residential precinct to the south in terms of
overshadowing.
Does the amendment make proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions?
The amendment makes proper use of the Victoria Planning Provisions by applying the Specific Controls
Overlay and the Road Closure Overlay which are the appropriate tool to identify land subject to specific
controls designed to achieve a particular land use and development outcome.
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How does the amendment address the views of any relevant agency?
The views of relevant agencies will be sought during the planning scheme amendment process.
Does the amendment address relevant requirements of the Transport Integration Act 2010?
The Transport Integration Act 2010 establishes a framework for the provision of an integrated and
sustainable transport system in Victoria. While the amendment is not considered to have a direct impact on
the Transport Integration Act or transport system, it will facilitate a development which has proximate access
to public transport systems and established road networks.
In particular, the subject site is within walking distance to the Box Hill Railway Station, Bus Interchange, and
tram routes along Whitehorse Road. The amendment will enable the extension of Prospect Street to Clisby
Court, opening up a previously landlocked section of BHMAC and significantly enhancing pedestrian, bicycle
and vehicle permeability within the centre. Pedestrian accessibility is proposed to be enhanced across, and
adjacent to, the sites through the redevelopment. The future location of the Suburban Rail Loop station will
not be compromised through the redevelopment of the site.
URBIS
APPENDIX C SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PROCESS
Following the submission of the Master Plan in December 2020, the proponent and project team engaged in
a series of without prejudice and in good faith workshops with DELWP and stakeholders as part of the
Development Facilitation Program eligibility assessment process, summarised below. The main intent of the
workshops was to assist DELWP with their understanding of key technical matters, and to work through
comments raised by DELWP and other stakeholders.
OVGA
Following an initial pre-review meeting with the OVGA, the Master Plan was presented to the Design Review
Panel (DRP) convened by the OVGA on 3 March 2021. The DRP prepared a report, dated 22 March 2021,
outlining its review and findings, which in its introduction stated the DRP’s general support for the key
principles of the Master Plan:
As a metropolitan activity centre Box Hill is an appropriate location for high density housing and a
concentration of uses to capitalise on the existing busy transit node. The Box Hill Central shopping centre is
an example of internalised ‘big box’ retail, now understood as damaging to urban grain, structure and
networks. It has detrimentally impacted its built environment, the building itself is degraded, and we fully
support the initiative to demolish, form new connections and reinvent the central north precinct.
In addition to the above, the DRP supported the delivery of the key east-west link (Prospect Street) and the
use of the ‘pivot point’ at the steps to navigate the level change and lack of connection between Prospect
Street and Main Street, which is a significant limitation in the existing street network. The Panel noted that
this connection will add value to the whole precinct, further enhanced by the legibility and permeability
provided by the north-south laneways. Concealing car parking underground was also noted to be a great
improvement on some otherdevelopmentsin Box Hill.
The DRP also raised a number of matters for further consideration, in particular:
 The experience of the buildings from the pedestrian perspective, and impact of building height on the
ground plane, including light penetration and wind impacts
 The distribution and height of buildings from a broader context, including contribution to the skyline
 The comfort and amenity of public spaces, including consideration of sunlight penetration to spaces
internal to the site, outlook, interface with Whitehorse Road and the purpose or intended use
 Provision of affordable housing
 Cycle routes.
The OVGA review has informed the refinement of the Master Plan.
WORKSHOPS WITH DELWP

Following a review of the submitted application material, the initial RFI (27 January 2021) response, and
relevant stakeholder feedback, DELWP issued a letter (30 April 2021) setting out matters that needed to be
addressed for the project to be recommended to progress to the next stage of the Development Facilitation
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BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PROCESS 63
process. The letter incorporates what DELWP considers the key matters raised by other stakeholders,
including the OVGA, who had been consulted by DELWP, and DELWP’s own preliminary review of the
proposal.
Following receipt of the letter, a series of subject matter workshops were convened with the DELWP
facilitation team in order to focus on specific issues and aspects of the Master Plan, in recognition of the
detail and complexity of the proposal, including wind; traffic and transport; urban design and public realm;
and the proposed planning controls. The outcomes of these are summarisedbelow.
Wind
The workshop on wind conditions affecting the Box Hill MAC, held on 17 May 2021 was requested by the
DELWP facilitation team primarily to assist with their understanding of the existing conditions and impacts of
the proposed built form on the likely outcomes with respect to wind. This workshop was led by Michael
Eaddy, MEL Consulting, and included discussion of the following key matters:
 Melbourne is proven to be one of the windiest cities in the world and the Box Hill MAC is one of the
windiest locations in Melbourne
 Existing wind conditions within Box Hill are a result of the topography and existing development in the
Box Hill area and are difficult to resolve in isolation
 Wind conditions will continue to change as additional built form is added to the Box Hill Activity Centre
 In considering the strategic direction and aspirations for Box Hill, wind is only one aspect –a balanced
approach is required which is considerate of facilitating new development and achieving conditions
appropriate to the targeted uses
 Short, mid and long term conditions need to be considered by all parties
 Achieving appropriate wind amenity will be reliant on a combination of urban design and built form
outcomes and targeted public domain mitigation strategies
Traffic and Transport

On 25 May 2021, Tim de Young from traffic consultant GTA, presented on the approach to transport matters
proposed by the Master Plan, including the following:
 Alignment with the Whitehorse City Council’s 2020 Box Hill MAC Integrated Transport Strategy
 The travel demand management approach, whereby the redevelopment of the site will result in a
deintensification of traffic compared to the existing condition as a retail car park.
 The Master Plan embraces a level of friction, discouraging through traffic along Prospect Street.
 Council’s proposal for a cycle bridge connecting from Nelson Road over the railway line was discussed,
including design difficulties relating to level differences.
Public Realm and Urban Design

A series of workshops were held on the subject of Public Realm and Urban Design, lead by Bates Smart and
Lat27 (18 May, 2 and 8 June 2021).
These workshops explored a range of matters, including building height, massing, and separation; as well as
the location, quantum, design and amenity of public spaces. Through this process, consideration was given
to whether the Master Plan distribution (and potentially amenity) of open space could be improved through
increasing the amount of open space and consolidating it on the west side of ClisbyCourt. This revised
approach is reliant on a land exchange with Council in relation to the Council-own car parking area adjacent
to Nelson Road and the Council owned lane between the existing shopping centre and the at grade car park
owned by Vicinity.
A range of other matters were explored and discussed which have informed the changes to the Master Plan.
These matters included:
 An amalgamation of Lots 6&7 and the benefits of this in regard to Prospect Street, building spacing and
rationalising vehicle access,
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64 SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PROCESS BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS
 Improvements to the public realm amenity, including the Civic steps and plaza as a result of a revised
layout of development and open space to the north of Prospect Street.
 A review of shadowing implications to the south on 22 September
The workshops also investigated opportunities to rationalise the number of building vehicle entry points and
accommodating a future pedestrian bridge link across the rail corridor at the Nelson Road extension directly
west of the site. This process explored the relocation and consolidation of building vehicle entry points so as
to prioritise the public realm experience and the removal of the vehicle access along the western boundary of
the site to provide appropriate spatial allowances for the future bridge link across the rail corridor at Nelson
Road.
Incorporated Document
A workshop led by Urbis was held on the proposed Incorporated Document (16 June 2021) submitted as
part of the Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) application. It was noted that the detail of the Incorporated
Document does not need to be resolved as part of the Development Facilitation Program eligibility criteria
assessment, but the merit of commencing discussions on the matter was recognised.
It was agreed by all parties that the use of the Incorporated Document is the appropriate tool to bring effect
to the Master Plan. DELWP discussed the process of facilitating the detailed approval for each stage of
development proposed by the Incorporated Document and whether this be via detailed development plans or
planning permits. The proposition for the Minister to be the responsible authority for the detailed approvals
was also discussed.
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BHCN PLANNING REPORT URBIS SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PROCESS 65

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BOX HILL CENTRAL NORTH

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All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior permission.

3. Subject Site and Surrounds ...........................................................................................................10

4. Planning Policy Context .................................................................................................................16

5. The Proposal / The Master plan .....................................................................................................18

6. Planning Assessment .....................................................................................................................36

Plan Melbourne ...............................................................................................................................................53

Planning Policies ............................................................................................................................................53

Reference Documents ....................................................................................................................................55

Planning Controls ...........................................................................................................................................55

General and Particular Provisions ................................................................................................................56

Appendix A Planning Framework

 Predominantly Asian orientated resident and retail markets.

Figure 1 Master Plan Artist Impression

2.2. Metropolitan Strategic Context

Figure 2 - Melbourne 2050 Spatial Framework (source: DELWP)

Figure 3 - Key transport connections to Box Hill

2.4. Box Hill Activity Centre Context

Figure 4 - Box Hill Activity Centre Key Precincts

2.5.2. Ongoing Strategic Work

Property Parcel Ownership

17-21 Market Street CP102909 Vicinity Centres

1 Main Street Lot 1 TP803942 Victorian Rail Track

2 Prospect Street Lot 1TP761487 Whitehorse City Council

8 Prospect Street Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 TP665882 Vicinity Centres

8A Prospect Street Lot 1 TP333223 Whitehorse City Council

Clisby Court Lot 1 and 2 TP957558 Victorian Rail Track

Nelson Road extension Lot 1TP234540 Whitehorse City Council

Fairbank Lane R1 LP82924 and Lot 2 LP45799 Whitehorse City Council

Figure 8 Existing conditions internal retail space

3.2. IMMEDIATE SURROUNDS

Source: Bates Smart

4.1. PLAN MELBOURNE & PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

Figure 12 Master Plan Strategy

The Heart of Box Hill The urban regeneration of the Box

A place for People Successfully layering human scaled

Suburban to Metropolitan Diversifying Box Hill’s

Live, Work and Play Creating places that mix commercial

Civic and community Basing new development on the

Prioritise wellness Design can’t be all about style.

5.2. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL

The key elements of the Master Plan include:

Figure 13 Master Plan

Source: Bates Smart

5.3. EVOLUTION OF THE MASTER PLAN

5.4. KEY LAND USE AND DESIGN ELEMENTS

Figure 14 Public realmt

Source: Bates Smart

5.4.2.1. Design criteria

5.4.2.2. Massing principles and built form parameters

Source: Bates Smart

Street wall heights

5.4.3. Public Open Space Network & Public Realm

5.4.4. Site Links

Figure 17 Laneways and arcades

Source: Bates Smart

5.4.5. Car Parking and Loading