_APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT APPROVED IN STATION STREET BOX HILL

Over the past year Collie has been involved in a number of residential apartment projects in the Box Hill Central Activities Area.

The most recently issued planning permit was in June for a four-storey apartment building of 47 apartments above basement car parking, at 740 Station Street, Box Hill.

Collie worked closely with the client team, including Plus Architecture, to prepare a proposal that responded to the opportunities and constraints of the site.  The final design reflects a well resolved development that takes advantage of the key features of the site, including its interface with the Box Hill Gardens on the opposite side of Station Street, lower scale residential interface to the rear and the adjoining heritage dwelling to the south.

The project involved extensive liaison with Council, including multiple meetings both before lodgement and during the assessment of the planning permit application.  The application was appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as Council had not made a decision within the prescribed time.  While not being resolved during the Council assessment of the proposal, the matter was able to be resolved through mediation at VCAT with a planning permit being issued without the need for a full hearing.

The approved dwellings contain either one or two bedrooms.  The design of the building acknowledges the double width of the property by breaking down the scale of the front facade into two distinct elements, one responding clearly to the ornamental entry to Box Hill Gardens opposite; the other element responding to features of the heritage dwelling to the south.

Development in the Box Hill Central Activities Area is continuing at a steady pace as planning permits are issued for apartment, office and retail developments.  Access to multiple modes of public transport, shops, services and employment makes Box Hill an ideal location to support higher density residential and mixed use development.

We look forward to continuing our work in the area, which has also included other projects in Irving Avenue.

Enquiries to Jay Hollerich on 03 8698 9300 or jjh@colliepl.com.au