New design, hotel and offices part of revised plans for 19-storey ‘The Ring’ project in Ringwood

A new high-rise on the former site of a ice skating rink is set to smash height records in Ringwood. But uncertainty still surrounds the development, with final plans yet to be approved.

An early artist's impression of the proposed development at 28-30 Maroondah Hwy. Picture: David Flanagan/Ringwood and District Historical Society Facebook page.

A landmark 19-storey multi-tower development on Ringwood’s doorstep is set to smash Maroondah’s height record.

But the project’s final look and feel is in limbo, after its permit was sold to a developer behind several other proposed high-rises in Box Hill.

Maroondah Council is considering amendments to The Ring project planned for 28-30 Maroondah Highway.

Demolition and clearing works began at the site last month, which is the former home of Chippy’s Outdoors and Ringwood’s Iceland skating rink.

Demolition is now underway at the former Chippy's Outdoors and Ringwood Iceland site at 28-30 Maroondah Highway. Picture: Kiel Egging.

The council approved the three-tower project following a VCAT hearing in February 2018.

Developer Orion International planned to create a mix of residential and serviced apartments, commercial space, shops, restaurants and a public plaza.

But according to a Domain online property report, the site was sold three months later for $23.65 million.

Maroondah Leader understands prominent Melbourne developer Longriver is the new permit holders.

Longriver has several permits to build apartment towers in Box Hill and is also planning a townhouse development at the former Wantirna Caravan Park site.

Mayor Rob Steane said the council believed the 19-storey project was suitable due to its “extremely high quality and integrated design response” and location on the edge of the Ringwood activity centre.

A vintage picture of Ringwood Iceland in the early 1970s. Picture: Supplied.

He said the project was also near essential services and offered “a significant contribution to diversity of housing and accommodation in this area of Ringwood”.

Cr Steane said the proposed changes included replacing the serviced apartments with a hotel, adding a gym and office space, and “other building and facade changes”.

Readers on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page shared mixed opinions on the project.

Kenn Moulynox thought Ringwood needed more development and the project would be great for the economy and “clean-up Maroondah Highway”.

But Lisa Johnson said high-rises didn’t belong in the suburbs, while Sean Morris feared it would become “a congestion-creating slum tower”.

Several readers called for the ice rink to be reinstated.

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The council introduced a 10-storey height limit in its planning scheme when it approved the Ringwood activity centre’s masterplan late last year.

Cr Steane said it was unlikely any future buildings taller than 19-storeys would be supported in Maroondah.
“It was the unique location and site conditions of this landmark subject site, which are not

found elsewhere on other sites, that warranted consideration of a taller building form,” he said.

The council did not say when a decision on the amended permit was likely to be made.

Longriver has been contacted for comment.

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