Knox Council’s draft Boronia Renewal Plan outlines ideas to boost the suburb
BORONIA’s ugly ground-level carparks could bring a much-needed boost to the suburb by hosting markets, concerts and a moonlight cinema.
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BORONIA’s ugly ground-level carparks could bring a much-needed boost to the suburb by hosting markets, concerts and a moonlight cinema.
With Boronia’s population growing, the suburb’s retail heart needed to keep pace with consumer demands, and a draft renewal strategy called for the precinct to be modernised and upgraded.
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The strategy suggests “unattractive” ground level carparks could host outdoor events including village fairs or farmers markets, a buskers festival, concerts and exhibitions.
Traders are calling for a bigger variety of shops, especially in Boronia Mall, and more all-day parking to attract visitors.
Owner of Mish Mash cafe Michelle March said Boronia needed more interesting stores.
“It’s just cafes, massage parlours and $2 shops and op shops,” Ms March said. “If people are going to flock here they need an interest, and at the moment I don’t feel there is an interest.”
“The mall is like a graveyard; I just think we need more interesting shops.
“Boronia is changing as a new homebuyers-type of area. There are still a lot of elderly but I think something like (a market or moonlight cinema) would be really good.”
Boronia Mall centre manager Lawrence Peresso said all the shops in the mall were individually owned and owners controlled what sort of retailer opened.
“It’s not like we’re a Westfield and we own the whole shopping centre and we can put in whoever we want. We have no say in it whatsoever,” Mr Peresso said.
Jeanne’s Hair Studio owner Jeanne Marie said more all-day parking, staff parking permits and different types of businesses were desperately needed.
She also called for more police foot patrols.
Owner of Metro Cinemas Boronia Tom Schouten said he felt really positive about Boronia’s future, and praised the council for listening to the community.
The council has partnered with the state and federal governments to deliver new replacement CCTV cameras as well as lighting and safety upgrades in Boronia. It will start planning for the installation of upgraded lighting and walking paths around Boronia railway station, Erica Ave, Orchid Ave and Tormore Reserve thanks to a Federal Government cash boost.
Knox Council’s city development director Julia Oxley said car parking as well as retail diversity was being considered as part of the draft Boronia Renewal Strategy, which is now available for public review and feedback.
“The draft strategy, to be finalised by mid-next year, already includes some ideas around possible options to be considered, and community and local trader input will be integral to informing this process,” she said.
Have your say until November 30.
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