Box Hill locals will be able to enjoy new public open space within walking distance of Box Hill Gardens while major construction of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) underground station is underway. You can now have your say and help shape the design of the proposed open spaces at Watts and Court streets, an urban square on Ellingworth Parade and Box Hill Gardens enhancements.
The new SRL station at Box Hill will be open by 2035 and one of the busiest and best-connected stations on the network, with 15,000 passengers expected to use the station every day.
SRL will slash travel times and change the way Melbourne grows in the decades ahead. 2024 is the project’s biggest year yet, with works underway at all 6 SRL East station sites – creating up to 8000 local jobs.
In Box Hill, crews will build a temporary bridge on Whitehorse Road to keep traffic moving during construction, and we’re moving underground services in a section of Box Hill Gardens, ahead of major construction.
Most of Box Hill Gardens will remain open to the public throughout construction, including the playground, barbecues, netball and basketball courts, and the re-routed running track. However, there will be some areas disrupted – and these new temporary open spaces will help offset those construction impacts.
The community spaces at Watts and Court streets could include native vegetation, play equipment and art, while the square at Ellingworth Parade could include places for social gatherings and community events.
These spaces will be completed before major works start in 2026, and locals can provide their feedback until 27 March 2024 via Engage Victoria.