Knox Central ‘capital of the east’ plans approved

A PLAN to transform the centre of Knox with buildings up to 13 storeys high has been given the green light — but the mayor says it won’t mean a free-for-all for builders.

An artist's impression of what Burwood Highway near Knox Towerpoint could look like in the future.

KNOX’S mayor says the approval of plans to transform the area into the “capital of the east” with buildings of up to 13 storeys won’t mean a free-for-all for developers.

Cr Darren Pearce also defended the $223,000 cost of the Knox Central Structure Plan, which was approved by councillors at Monday’s meeting.

The plan to transform Burwood Highway between Stud and Scoresby roads, with buildings up to 40m is described as the biggest urban renewal project in the city’s history.

Knox Central plan: 13-storey buildings a possibility on Burwood Highway

Speaking to the Leader after the meeting, Cr Pearce said the plan had been in discussions for more than 15 years and having it passed by councillors was “huge”.

Cr Pearce said it sent a signal to the market that Knox was ready for major developments.

But he said it wouldn’t create a “free for all” for developers.

“They still have to achieve good architectural outcomes to be approved,” he said.

An artist's impression of what the future interface to Lewis Park, Wantirna South could look like.

The council has spent $223,000 developing the plan, including $180,000 on expert studies, $18,000 for planning panel costs and $18,000 on lawyers’ fees and peer reviews.

“When you consider the size and scope it’s actually a very cheap price overall,” he said.

The long-term strategy was to create a place where people could live, work and play, he said.

“What we want is a vibrant activity area. So it will become a living hub, working hub, retail hub,” he said.

Cr Pearce initially told the Leader the plans were passed unanimously but later corrected that the vote had been 6-1.

Cr Nicole Seymour voted against the plan, while councillors Adam Gill and Jackson Taylor absent.

Cr Gill had previously declared a conflict of interest relating to a business partner’s property interests in the Knox Central area.

Cr Seymour told the Leader she was concerned about overdevelopment.

“I don’t agree with the ‘capital of the east’ concept,” she said.

There were 106 submissions to the structure plan, including from Westfield Knox operator Scentre Group, Fairhills High School and Villa Maria Aged Care.

Lobby group Friends of Lake Knox Sanctuary said it was still hopeful the plan would include protection for an area dubbed ‘Lake Knox’.

Group convenor Mark Glazebrook said the floodplain area, on the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Rd, could be a popular attraction if the lake was set up with a buffer zone separating it from nearby houses.

“The indication so far is that there’s no development planned on the flat area near that property,” Dr Glazebrook said.

“It’s a very rare opportunity to preserve a natural area like this for generations to come.

“We’re still waiting for more details and firmer plans.”

The plan is was now awaiting approval from Planning Minister Richard Wynne.