13 July 2026
We're creating new public open spaces and delivering a new underground station for Box Hill
The new underground Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East station in Box Hill will be one of the most well-connected stations on the metropolitan network – supporting the area’s thriving retail, education and health services.
The SRL station will provide a convenient connection to the existing Box Hill Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line and will integrate with local tram and bus services. The station will connect more people to jobs, health services and study opportunities along the SRL East rail line from Box Hill to Cheltenham.
What’s happening in 2026
Major construction of SRL East is underway, with tunnel boring machines soon to start tunnelling from Burwood to Glen Waverley.
Preparation is underway for the construction of the SRL station at Box Hill. This involves establishing the worksite, removing existing buildings and installing deep foundation supports in the ground within the SRL worksite ahead of station excavation in 2028.
With works underway in the centre of Box Hill, we’re creating two permanent open spaces for the community to enjoy, only a short walk away at Ellingworth Parade and Court and Watts Street.
Box Hill construction timeline
Upcoming works in Box Hill
Building and enhancing public open spaces
Day works: 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Day works: 7am to 1pm, Saturday
Court and Watts streets, Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill Gardens, Box Hill
Ongoing until early 2027:
- Earthworks, landscaping and installing a playground and multi-use court at Ellingworth Parade
- Earthworks, landscaping and delivering a nature play area and nature trail at Court and Watts streets
- Moving toilet facilities and delivering new fitness equipment and an aquaculture trail at Box Hill Gardens.
Establishing new worksites
Day works: 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Day works: 7am to 1pm, Saturday
SRL worksites, Box Hill
Mid July until mid 2027:
- Disconnecting services
- Demolishing existing structures
- Installing fencing around the worksites.
Moving underground services
Day and night works: up to 24 hours, Monday to Sunday
Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Ongoing:
- Moving underground services
- Delivering equipment and machinery to site during the day and overnight
- traffic and pedestrian changes on Whitehorse Road at times.
Demolition works in Box Hill
Demolition work for SRL East is carefully planned and carried out in stages to ensure it is safe, controlled and minimises impacts on the surrounding community.
In Box Hill, demolition works will begin south of Whitehorse Road at the SRL worksite, before moving north of Whitehorse Road to establish another worksite.
Before any buildings are removed, crews will undertake detailed inspections and preparation works. This includes disconnecting services, safely removing hazardous materials and installing temporary fencing to secure the site.
Once the site is ready, demolition will begin from the inside out. Internal features such as walls, ceilings and fixtures will be removed first, followed by the exterior structure in stages. Materials will be recycled or reused where possible to reduce waste and support sustainable construction.
Throughout these works, noise, dust and vibration will be closely monitored, and controls such as water sprays and physical barriers will reduce impacts where possible.
Each stage of demolition is carefully coordinated to protect nearby homes, businesses and infrastructure, while helping pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles moving safely through Box Hill.
Preserving history on Whitehorse Road
Three historically significant icons of Whitehorse Road will be retained during SRL works. The former Railway Hotel (950-956 Whitehorse Road) which dates back to the 1880s will be preserved, alongside the facades of the building at 948 Whitehorse Road and the former Colonial Association Building at 942-946 Whitehorse Road.
Two new community open spaces for Box Hill
We’re building new public spaces within walking distance of Box Hill Gardens at Court and Watts Street and Ellingworth Parade.
Two new permanent public open spaces will open before major works begin in a portion of Box Hill Gardens. These new community spaces will provide places to relax, play and connect close to Box Hill Gardens.
Community and stakeholder input has shaped the design of these spaces. We have worked closely with the local community, Whitehorse City Council and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the new spaces reflect local needs and priorities. This collaboration has helped create places that support sustainability, encourage connections between people of different ages, and recognise the past, present and future of the area.
Courts and Watts Street
The new open space between Court Street and Watts Street invites locals to connect with nature. Planting, landscaping and a marked nature trail will provide opportunities to learn more about the native plants and animals of the seven Wurundjeri seasons.
A nature play area, seating and two grassy areas will allow the community to spend long periods of time enjoying their new local open space.
Ellingworth Parade
This is a place for the community to gather and play. Suitable for all ages to enjoy, the open space features a custom-made playground, a multi-use sports area and a lawn area.
Those wanting to chat or relax will be able to make use of the grassy area, bleacher seating and sandstone blocks around the sports area. The sandstone blocks will be etched with Woi-wurrung words that celebrate the community coming together.
Box Hill progress update
