By Peter Douglas
The hills communities will in due course have access to a modern, multi-purpose community hub within Ferntree Gully, with Knox Council signing off on the purchase of land at 100 Station Street.
Though, it could come at a cost to local business.
Council believes the construction of such a hub is in keeping with its vision for a modern centre, which will continue to serve the community for years to come.
However, the development could affect numerous existing shops and businesses that are located on the 2492m2 parcel of land, although council has assured owners their short-term future is safe.
Council expects the planning for the site could take as much as five years.
Knox Council Mayor Darren Pearce said the purchase was a significant, strategic step in the revitalisation of Ferntree Gully Village.
“As laid out in the Ferntree Gully Structure Plan, there is a clear vision for Ferntree Gully Village to be a modern, vibrant and thriving Village centre, featuring a new multi-purpose build community hub,” Cr Pearce said.
“A key challenge has been identifying suitable sites to potentially locate the new community hub – and with the purchase of 100 Station Street, we are now in a position to do so.”
Cr Pearce said council would continue to work in partnership with the local community in progressing key priorities identified in the Ferntree Gully Structure Plan.
Ward Councillor Jake Keogh said, upon completion, the site would be a fantastic asset for the community.
“The site is centrally located within easy reach of local shops, the train station and other services and – with the development of the new hub – this site will become a focal point for community activity into the future,” Cr Keogh said.
“Given the longer-term planning that will be required as part of this project, council is committed to working closely with the community and other key stakeholders.”
The decision comes at a time when restrictions on building heights in the area have come under close scrutiny.
In April this year, the issue had been on council’s agenda to set mandatory limits within Upper Ferntree Gully.
This came after a decision to scrap an Amendment, which would have allowed for strict 8.5 metre controls.
The decision went against the recommendation, with the Upper Ferntree Gully activity centre now covered by a discretionary maximum building height of 7.5 metres.
