State government hits back against Whitehorse City Council over 15-storey office tower in Box Hill

The state government has hit back against a local council protesting the approval of 15-storey office tower in the heart of Box Hill, saying “we need councils to be working with us”.

A 15-storey development has been approved for 69 Carrington Rd, Box Hill.

The state government has hit back against a local council who protested its approval of a 15-storey development, saying “we need councils to be working with us... Not putting up roadblocks”.

The high-rise development slated for the middle of Box Hill was approved by the state government despite Whitehorse City Council protesting against the proposed tower.

The tower to be built at 69 Carrington Rd by Golden Age Group was permit approved by the government on February 28, and includes 1390sq m of retail space and 6661sq m of office space.

The council opposed the development for a number of reasons.

“Council lodged an objection to the development on a range of issues, including that the proposal did not have sufficient regard for the impact of the development on the site immediately next door in regard to light and ventilation,” a council spokesperson said.

“(The development) did not respond appropriately to the streetscape and nearby dwellings.”

Golden Age Group then made changes to the initial plans which were then advertised by the government.

The state government approved a permit for a 15-storey office building despite concerns from Whitehorse City Council.

Whitehorse City Council lodged a second objection after “the concerns raised by council had not been resolved”.

“The permit issued by the state government has raised significant concerns with council, specifically in relation to how the amenity of the adjoining site is to be managed.”

The tower will also include two levels of basement carparking with 41 car bays, 50 bicycle storage spaces, and “end-of-trip facilities”.

The government has fought back against the council’s protests, arguing they need council assistance to “get good projects off the ground”.

“We need councils to be working with us... not putting up roadblock to projects that support growing communities,” a government spokeperson said.

“With more families and young people calling Box Hill home, this project will deliver more job opportunities and retail options right in the heart of town.”

The office building was designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand.

The proposed development will be in the heart of Box Hill.

Golden Age Group has been given the green light to develop 69 Carrington St, Box Hill into a modern office complex.

Golden Age Group bought the 1119sq m site in July 2023 for $13m.

Golden Age Group’s development director Damien Hehir said he was delighted with the approval.

“We are thrilled to bring this visionary project to Box Hill, a vibrant and rapidly growing business hub in Melbourne’s east,” Mr Hehir said.

The office building was designed by architect Gray Puksand.

“This development reflects our commitment to creating dynamic spaces that meet the evolving needs of businesses, retailers, and the community.”

The developer has purchased five sites in the suburb, which include a residential project on Hay St and the SKY SQR precinct.