Planning for more car parking spaces required in the Glen Waverley Activity Centre has taken another step forward with Council resolving on a preferred schematic design option to upgrade and extend the existing multi-level car park in Bogong Avenue, Glen Waverley.
Council also agreed that Katz Architecture, the lead design consultants, are to lodge a planning permit application for the preferred option.
The preferred design is for an extension of four additional levels, providing 518 additional car parking spaces for a total of 1032 spaces at the Bogong Avenue site.
Council has been steadfast in its commitment to providing additional and replacement car parking spaces to residents and local businesses and had previously identified its land, at 31-39 Montclair Avenue, for redevelopment as a mixed-use multi-level car park.
However in June 2021, Council resolved that it would not be progressing with the detailed design of the Montclair Avenue multi-level car park following notification by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) that the land is likely to be required for stage one of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project. The Glen Waverley Activity Centre (GWAC) is the location earmarked for the SRL's Glen Waverley station.
Following alternative site investigations, officers identified Council's existing multi-level car park at 1-5 Bogong Avenue as a site that could accommodate additional and replacement car parking to meet the needs of the GWAC.
While the Bogong Avenue design will provide important additional car parking, Council also expects additional spaces to be provided elsewhere in the GWAC and will continue to work with the SRLA towards achieving this outcome. It is imperative that an acceptable and appropriate solution for providing these car spaces is found. In particular, the car spaces need to be close to and easily accessible to the Kingsway spine, the heart of the activity centre.
Community consultation will take place as part of the planning application process and through the project's dedicated website Home | Shape Monash
Monash Mayor Stuart James said Council was committed to providing replacement and additional car parking in the GWAC and welcomed the project's progress.
"It is crucial for the continuing health and vitality of the Activity Centre, that we are able to provide the car parking we need to realise our vision for the precinct," Cr James said. "Particularly as businesses are starting to recover from the challenges and difficulties they've endured during the COVID pandemic."
Cr James also said Council was determined to reach an agreement with SLRA in finding available land, of a suitable location, that fulfilled the parking needs of the GWAC.
"We understand that the Suburban Rail Loop is an exciting transport development for Melbourne and that Monash is a key location for three proposed stations," Cr James said. "But SRLA will own the best positioned land for car parking to service the Activity Centre and Council is determined to secure their agreement, and commitment, for finding the remaining replacement and additional car parking spaces."
It is planned to complete the Bogong Avenue Car Park project by mid to late-2024.
