Boronia Renewal Strategy aims to give suburb new lease on life

Shoppers fed up with $2 shops and hairdressers might finally get some more options, with a new council plan aiming to revitalise Boronia. But people looking forward to visiting a long-awaited Aldi store might have to wait a bit longer.

Knox Council hopes a new strategy will revitalise Boronia, including Boronia Mall.

It’s arguably Knox’s most maligned suburb, but a new plan aims to give Boronia a new lease of life.

A bigger mix of businesses, more nightlife and the redevelopment of Dorset Square are part of a strategy to revitalise the suburb.

According to Knox Council, the draft Boronia Renewal Strategy represents the most significant opportunity to rejuvenate the heart of the suburb in a generation.

The council wants to focus on new housing and population growth in the suburb, boosting retail trade and economic opportunities, as well as creating jobs.

Boronia Mall shopping centre in Dorset Square.

Proposed changes include allowing buildings up to eight to 10 storeys around the intersection of Boronia and Dorset roads, and a maximum of four storeys in residential streets.

The council is proposing to rezone 257 Dorset Rd, formerly the Boronia Youth Hall, to enable mixed-used development including possible social housing.

The council said people wanted to see Dorset Square redeveloped into a contemporary retail complex with a new civic space.

Metro Cinemas Boronia owner Tom Schouten said he would like to see a better variety of shops in Dorset Square.

“We don’t need any more tobacco stores, hairdressers or $2 shops,” Mr Schouten said.

Meanwhile discount supermarket chain Aldi is yet to confirm when it will open in Erica Ave.

In a statement the company said: “We are eager to bring our unique shopping experience to the community of Boronia. While we have received council approval, we are still in discussion with the developer and timings for the opening of Aldi Boronia are yet to be confirmed. We will continue to keep the community updated as our plans progress.”

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On Knox Leader’s Facebook page readers called for an upgrade of Boronia Mall. Kylie Good called for a playspace for toddlers and a cafe forparents with prams. Others called on the council to save Knox Basketball Stadium.

Pam Hutchinson said the strategy was a slap in the face to most of the residents who had been giving feedback for years.

Knox Mayor Jake Keogh said Boronia was ready for a new lease of life.

“The draft strategy represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a well-connected, safe and vibrant activated town centre,” he said.

The strategy will be given to the State Government for review.