Vermont South: High rise housing planned for Burwood Hwy former ARRB site

The changing face of Vermont South is set to continue with two major projects slated for two prominent sites. See the plans.

The abandoned former ARRB site on Burwood Highway in Vermont South was severely damaged by fire earlier this year. Picture: Mark Stewart

Apartments up to six storeys high and rows of townhouses could be built on the site of a burnt out eyesore in the heart of Vermont South.

The former ARRB transport headquarters at 490-500 Burwood Highway, next to the Victoria Grange retirement village, has been empty since 2017, and has been used at various times by squatters.

The abandoned building was badly damaged when a fire broke out on March 31.

Whitehorse councillors took the first step towards revamping the 2.57ha site by voting to request Planning Minister Richard Wynne change its zoning to a residential growth zone.

It came after site owner Dandenong Views Pty Ltd requested the change, amid its vision for a housing estate with up to 290 dwellings.

Planning documents detailed the estate could include a range of housing options, including two apartment buildings reaching four and six storeys.

Townhouses, some reaching three storeys, could be built on the southern and western borders of the site, while the heritage-listed former transport building would be retained and refurbished.

The council’s recommended height limit for most parts of Vermont South is four storeys.

Tract Consultants, on behalf of Dandenong Views, said the plans were “conceptual only” and would be further refined at the planning permit stage.

Councillor Trudy Skilbeck said the site was “iconic and complex” and needed an overhaul after five years of inactivity.

“Change is needed … the current zoning is redundant with no strategic value,” she said.

Councillor Raelene Carr said there was “still a long way to go” to revive the site, but a zoning amendment was required to allow new uses, and would be put on display for public consultation for one month.

Meanwhile, more development could be on the way further down the highway with an application lodged to knock down two homes and build 14 townhouses, most of which would have three storeys.

The council’s director of city development, Jeff Green, said 11 objections had been received so far for the $3m project at 440-442 Burwood Highway, and would be discussed by officers early in the new year.