Box Hill Town Centre masterplan, retail, commercial and education precinct approved by Hills Shire Council

Landmark plans for a mini-metropolis with a dining precinct wrapped around a lake in the heart of Box Hill have been supported by the Hills Shire Council.

Celestino’s artist impressions for the Box Hill Town Centre.

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Landmark plans for a mini-metropolis with a dining precinct wrapped around a lake in the heart of Box Hill have been supported by the Hills Shire Council.

The Gables town centre at 10 Red Gables Rd, Box Hill — which will now go before the Planning Department for determination — is envisaged by developer Celestino to include a new multistorey school, playing fields and a high-density residential, retail and commercial precinct.

Plans also included commercial and community precincts included in the 63,000sq m town centre.

A model of the Box Hill Town Centre plans show a retail and dining precinct, school and residential development.

Hills Shire Councillors voted to support Celestino's bid to increase the maximum building heights from 16 metres to a range of heights between 16 and 27 metres. The proposal also included an increase in the maximum floor space ratio.

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Hills councillor Peter Gangemi said the development would provide much-needed community infrastructure and a range of residential opportunities in a growing community.

In October the proposal went before the Hills Council local planning panel for consideration, before being determined by Hills councillors last Tuesday.

Artist Impressions of the Box Hill Town Centre development.

Impressions of the residential development in The Gables.

The Gables development director, Matthew Scard said approval of the planning proposal would help provide an “active, vibrant town centre linking nature, commerce, recreation and everyday living”.

“It will deliver a diverse range of shopping, dining, workspaces and residential options, including townhouses and apartments,” Mr Scard told the Times.

“The next step is for Celestino to undertake bulk earthworks on the town centre site which we anticipate will commence in early 2019.

“This will prepare the future town centre site and lake — we expect to be in a position to celebrate the first sod being turned in March 2019.”

The Gables Development director Matthew Scard.

Mr Scard said further development applications would be submitted early next year, including the stage one retail precinct, including a shopping centre.

“The planning proposal will aid housing diversity and help to ensure The Gables is an activated, connected community with a vibrant civic heart,” he said. “Celestino has consulted widely and specifically with our buyers about what they want and need from this part of their community to ensure we deliver a town centre that exceeds their expectations.”

Mr Scard said he hopes the community would shape the design of the retail precinct.

“We’re envisaging a precinct with cafes and restaurants opening out to the lakefront, creating a highly desirable place to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural environment,” he said.