Glen Waverley: History, shopping, high-rises, landmarks and famous faces in postcode 3150
It’s the home of Victoria’s first Maccas, where our men and women in blue go to learn the ropes and the most sought-after address in Melbourne’s east. Here’s a snapshot of Glen Waverley’s 115-year history.
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Glen Waverley has transformed during its 115-year history from a farming and orchard-rich area into a bustling multicultural hub.
The suburb formerly known as Black Flat was declared and renamed in 1905 by its landowner, who was a fan of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels series.
It had a population of just over 40,000 at the 2016 census and its house prices are among the most expensive in Melbourne’s east.
The suburb’s demographics have changed dramatically in the past 25 years, with Melbourne’s Asian community establishing a significant presence.
It has become one of the community’s three main hubs in the east alongside Box Hill and Springvale, and Glen Waverley’s main street, Kingsway is now dominated by Asian eateries.
High rise developments have emerged in the heart of the suburb with large multistorey complexes next to its railway station and near The Glen shopping centre, which has had a $430 million overhaul.
The luxury SkyGarden complex will be the boldest development yet – its being built on top of the shopping centre and will boast will boast three apartment towers, one of which will reach 19 storeys.
Despite the high-rise boom, Glen Waverley’s most notable landmark is the Victoria Police Academy which has been operating since 1973.
It is visible from many different points around town and is the training ground for the state’s upcoming officers.
Glen Waverley also holds a special place in the hearts of fast food lovers – its home to McDonalds’ first Victorian restaurant.
The golden arches were erected on the corner of Springvale and High St Roads in 1973, and the restaurant was demolished for a total rebuild in 2016 and reopened in 2018.
Conveniently for party animals, it is opposite the Mountain View Hotel – which has stood for over 150 years and was a heaving nightspot in the 90s and early 2000s.
Century City Walk has been a longstanding local favourite for movies, dining and entertainment, and the Monash Aquatic Centre is popular with families.
Glen Waverley Secondary College and private school Wesley College, which has a campus in the suburb, have long been regarded as two of Melbourne’s best performing schools.
The suburb is also the former home for two of Australia’s most popular comedians and late, great members of Australian rock groups.
Hamish Blake and Frank Woodley grew up in the area, as did Skyhooks’ frontman Graham ‘Shirley’ Strachan, former Split Enz and Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, and AFL legend Kevin Bartlett.
MORE: GUIDE TO GROWING UP IN GLEN WAVERLEY
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