16 June 2025
Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) will connect our suburbs, slash travel times, deliver more homes, and ensure our city grows in the right places. SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill will transform our public transport network – better connecting Victorians to employment, hospitals, universities and each other.
The new underground station at Box Hill will be one of the busiest and most well-connected stations on the metropolitan network – making it easier and faster to access the area’s thriving retail, education, and health services.
The 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 – connecting more people to jobs, health services, and study opportunities in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing education and medical precincts.
To safely build the new SRL station, we’ll occupy a portion of Box Hill Gardens for up to 8 years from 2026. Box Hill Gardens is highly valued by the local community as a place for recreation and relaxation. That’s why we’re building new public spaces within walking distance of the Gardens to offset the occupation. We are also enhancing unaffected areas of Box Hill Gardens to ensure the community can continue to enjoy its parklands and facilities.
Two new permanent public open spaces are being created at the adjoining sites at 10-12 Watts Street and 11 Court Street, and also on Ellingworth Parade. Additionally, 5,000 square metres of temporary open space will be provided at 113-117 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert.
These new and improved spaces will be ready before major SRL works begin from 2026, ensuring the community continues to have access to green, open spaces. SRLA will also make permanent enhancements to the areas of Box Hill Gardens that will not be impacted by works.
Engagement overview
Community engagement was conducted in 2 phases.
Phase 1 focused on feedback for the new permanent open spaces at Watts Street and Court Street, and Ellingworth Parade, as well as enhancements to Box Hill Gardens. Feedback collected from 28 February to 27 March 2024 highlighted strong support for new open spaces and preserving nature, with suggestions for amenities like play spaces, seating, and fitness equipment.
Concerns included potential noise, and reduced parking. You can read the engagement report for this phase here.
Phase 2 focused on the new temporary open space at Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert. This summary consultation report includes how we engaged, what we heard and how your feedback guides the designs of new and enhanced spaces, ensuring they meet community needs for accessible, green, and functional public areas. Your feedback also informs the Public Open Space Management Plan (POSMP) for Box Hill.
What we heard – Box Hill open space at Victoria Crescent
We sought feedback to understand what we need to consider when delivering new temporary public open space at Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert for the local community.
To support this engagement, we provided information on the Box Hill open space consultation via:
- 2 engagement events
- the Whitehorse Spring Festival and an information session in Box Hill
- Digital advertising and social media promotion, including multicultural community advertising
- Posters in prominent locations
- Letters to properties close to the new site at Victoria Crescent
- Invitations to participate shared with the Box Hill Precinct Reference Group and their networks
- Ongoing consultation with Whitehorse City Council
- Stakeholder briefings
- Fact sheets with information in English, Simplified, and Traditional Chinese.
We heard from a range of age groups:
| Age | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 18 years or younger | 7% |
| 19 to 34 years old | 36% |
| 35 to 49 years old | 30% |
| 50 to 65 years old | 15% |
| 65 years and older | 12% |
Participants' connection to Box Hill
| Participants' connection to Box Hill | Participants response |
|---|---|
| I live there | 89 |
| Dining, shopping or entertainment | 55 |
| parks and open spaces | 52 |
| I work there | 39 |
| I study there | 27 |
| I travel through there often | 16 |
| Other | 4 |
Language at home
| Language at home | Participants response |
|---|---|
| English | 99 |
| Cantonese | 11 |
| Mandarin | 4 |
| Other | 3 |
| Hindi | 3 |
| Italian | 2 |
| Spanish | 2 |
| Arabic | 1 |
| Vietnamese | 1 |
Community feedback – Box Hill open space at Victoria Crescent
Participants listed these enhancements in order of preference.
What utilities should we include in this open space? |
|---|
| 1. Picnic facilities |
| 2. Multipurpose paved areas |
| 3. Open lawn |
| 4. Seating |
| 5. Playground/child play space |
| 6. Drinking taps |
| 7. Rest and reflection space |
| 8. BBQ facilities |
| 9. Cycling infrastructure |
| 10. After-hours lighting |
| 11. More trees |
| What we heard | SRLA response |
|---|---|
| Community feedback highlighted the importance of facilities that support recreation and leisure, such as adult exercise equipment, a climbing wall, and a shaded basketball court. | The Victoria Crescent site will include versatile and accessible green spaces with open lawn areas for recreation, picnics, and informal activities. We are prioritising active sporting elements like exercise equipment and basketball facilities at Box Hill Gardens and the new open space at Ellingworth Parade. |
| Respondents preferred diverse native vegetation, including trees and shrubs that attract birds and support local wildlife. | We plan to incorporate diverse native plantings, including trees and shrubs that attract birds and wildlife that complement the existing vegetation. A perimeter garden bed will enhance the ecological environment and provide aesthetic value. |
| They highlighted the need for accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility. | The design will support access for all abilities, including a gravel circulation path that provides a stable and accessible route through the park. |
| Respondents sought safety measures such as surveillance cameras and regular patrols. | We aim to make this space accessible and safe, both during the day and at night. A crime prevention and public safety specialist will guide the Victoria Crescent open space design to ensure clear sightlines are maintained, allowing for passive surveillance to deter antisocial behaviour. |
| Public toilets are seen as a key amenity by community members. | Public toilets are not proposed due to site limitations and to minimise the potential for antisocial behaviour. |
| Respondents emphasised the need for drinking taps and other amenities to help maintain a clean space. | A drinking fountain with a dog bowl will be included in the design, ensuring that both people and pets have access to water, promoting hydration and comfort. Bins will be provided to help manage waste. |
| There is a desire for public art, such as murals or sculptures, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. | We are investigating opportunities to include art in the design of each of the open spaces. |
| Respondents have indicated a desire for facilities that support community activities, including picnic areas, BBQ facilities for families, and a fenced dog park for pets to play off-leash. | Picnic areas and an off-leash dog park will be included in the design, addressing the community's desire for pet-friendly recreational spaces. |
| Concerns were raised about the potential impact on existing parking facilities for nearby residents and local businesses. | In September 2024, Council opened a new public car park at the corner of Whitehorse Road and Poplar Street, Box Hill. Existing ‘Permit Zone’ parking restrictions along the south side of Victoria Crescent will reserve on-street car parking for residential permit holders. |
Additional feedback
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
From September 2024 we have been engaging with the Wurundjeri Elders from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to discuss open space aspirations.
The Elders have shared their perspectives and desires for the new open spaces in Box Hill, including planting strategies shaped by the Wurundjeri Seasons.
Whitehorse City Council
SRLA will continue to work closely with Whitehorse City Council on all planned new open spaces for Box Hill, as well as permanent enhancements to Box Hill Gardens.
Next Steps
The feedback summarised in this report is shaping the design of the new temporary open space at Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert.
The suggestions gathered over the 2 phases of engagement is informing the design of the new open spaces to be delivered by SRL East for Box Hill.
Construction will commence from 2026, so your new open spaces will be ready to enjoy before main works construction begins in Box Hill Gardens.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed feedback and for the interest and patience of the local community while we deliver the transformational SRL project for Victoria and Melbourne.