Lilydale Place Plan approved by Yarra Ranges Council

A high quality design for the level crossing and new train station are among Yarra Ranges Council’s key priorities in a new plan to improve Lilydale. The community has also had its say, with restoring an old pub top of its list.

The community wants to see the old White Dog hotel restored. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The relocation of the library to a more central position, more interesting public places, the deteriorating White Dog Hotel and the proposed bypass have been identified as the key issues that need addressing to improve Lilydale.

The public has had its say on the Lilydale Place plan, which establishes Yarra Ranges Council’s strategic intent for the township.

The draft plan was released for community feedback after being brought to the council in May, with the council receiving 78 submissions.

The community has had its say on the future of Lilydale.

The plan was adopted by councillors last week, creating a platform for the council to advocate and influence investment and future decision making within the town.

The plan identifies that to improve Lilydale’s future liveability, the council and community need to create new centres for Lilydale’s community, focus population growth within the town centre, support local jobs and businesses, improve traffic and transport connections and improve public spaces and walking amenity.

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Large developments are set to shape the Lilydale community in the coming years, including the Maroondah Highway level crossing removal, Box Hill Lilydale Lakeside Campus’ renewal, quarry urban renewal project and the council’s civic centre redevelopment.

Cr Terry Avery said the plan referred to a need to advocate for a high quality design for the level crossing and new train station, which had been included in the council’s response to the Level Crossing Removal Project.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the Lilydale Project Reference Group and greater Lilydale community in developing the plan, and we now look forward to developing some action plans from it to improve liveability within the town.”

An artist’s impression of the proposed Lilydale sky rail.

On Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader’s Facebook page, people shared what improvements they would like to see in the town.

Michelle Koros said a Lilydale bypass would have been more beneficial than the new suburb known as Kinley, at the old Cave Hill Quarry.

She said restoring the White Dog was a must.

Matt John said: “It’s 2019 and there’s still a three lane highway merging in to one lane coming in to Lilydale. Need I say more?”

Lindsay Rayner suggested turning the derelict White Dog hotel into boutique accommodation, moving all the employment services into a specially designed nearby location, and let those spaces be used for interesting shops including a book store, gallery, tourist information centre and a native nursery.