Box Hill Finalizes New Planning Framework for Residential Infrastructure

Residents in Box Hill are seeing a shift in the local landscape as multiple planning frameworks move toward finalisation. The development of a draft Structure Plan for the area is currently underway by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority. This planning process is expected to culminate in a formal Planning Scheme Amendment, which is projected to be gazetted in 2026. This process follows a series of public consultations that took place throughout the early part of 2025.

These developments aim to address the long-term needs of the precinct, particularly regarding housing and employment capacity. The broader strategy for the Box Hill and Box Hill Industrial Precinct is designed to facilitate the delivery of up to 9,600 new homes alongside 16,000 jobs. To support this growth, the master plan includes provisions for new town and village centres, the integration of schools, and upgrades to existing road infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Residential Expansion

Large-scale projects are also influencing the pace of change within the city centre. In June 2024, the Box Hill Central North Masterplan received fast-tracked approval. This project involves a significant investment of $1.57 billion and includes the construction of seven towers that may reach up to 50 storeys in height. Upon completion, this masterplan is expected to add 1,700 new homes to the city centre. These projects signify a substantial shift in the residential density of the area, directly impacting the availability of housing and the demand for local services.

The financial framework supporting this growth has also undergone review. In July 2025, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) completed an assessment of The Hills Shire Council’s Contributions Plan No. 15 for the Box Hill Precinct. The assessment approved a 14% increase in contribution rates, which raised the total cost of the plan to $1.14 billion. These contributions are intended to fund the necessary infrastructure improvements to support the ongoing development of the precinct.

In addition to these large-scale plans, specific site-based changes are also progressing. For instance, The Hills Shire Council is currently exhibiting a planning proposal regarding land at 48 Terry Road. The proposal seeks to rezone this site from SP2 Infrastructure to R3 Medium Density Residential. This change would enable the development of 58-61 dwellings with a 14m building height limit. Residents can monitor these planning proposals through the official council and state planning portals as these projects proceed through their respective assessment stages.

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