Box Hill Central redevelopment: New retail, dining planned for mall

Another popular department store is preparing to shut its doors at Box Hill Central, but the rundown mall is finally set to be upgraded.

Vicinity Centres has unveiled a 10-year transformation project to revitalise the heart of Box Hill.

Another popular department store is set to close at Box Hill Central, with Big W to shut its doors on January 15.

It follows the closure of Harris Scarfe at the centre earlier in the year, one of several vacant shops at the complex.

On Whitehorse Leader’s Facebook page, many people said they no longer shopped at the complex, labelling it “boring and tired”.

Vicinity Centres revealed its $683 million redevelopment plan to revitalise the Box Hill CBD in May, including Box Hill Central.

The 10-year vision includes a new town square and mixed-use precinct, with new residential, commercial and retail developments.

A Vicinity Centres spokesperson said the closure of Big W created the opportunity to evolve Box Hill Central’s retail mix and modernise the mall to meet the needs of customers.

“We have plans to redevelop this prime retail space to ensure Box Hill Central continues to be a vibrant retail and dining destination and the proposal is currently being considered by the Whitehorse City Council,” the spokesperson said.

The 10-year vision includes a new town square and mixed-use precinct, with new residential, commercial and retail developments.

“The future project includes working with new brands, and existing retailers who are looking to expand their current offer at Box Hill Central, new restaurants and cafes, a convenient new western entry for residents from surrounding streets and contemporary upgrades including flooring, lighting and facade treatments.”

The spokesperson said Whitehorse Council was assessing the first three development applications for new public space, a 42,000sq m commercial office building and a 43,000sq m residential building.