An independent chair has been appointed to the new steering committee that will oversee the development of a business case for the redevelopment of the Box Hill Transit Interchange in Melbourne’s east.
Knowles Tivendale will chair the steering committee, which met for the first time last week. Charged with providing a business case and recommendations for the project to the state government by mid-2019, the committee will meet on a monthly basis.
Tivendale — who has over 20 years’ experience in strategic planning and transport integration projects for public sector organisations and government departments — said he welcomed the opportunity to steer the planning process for the project.
“I look forward to building on the work of the Ministerial Advisory Group chaired by the Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane, which provided preliminary options to improve this major commercial and transport hub,” Tivendale said.
“It’s important we take the time to work with stakeholders and the local community to get the detailed planning right for this significant project and work towards presenting the best options to government to consider in future budgets.”
A major public transport hub in Melbourne’s east, the Box Hill Transit Interchange consists of the local train station and bus interchange, along with the terminus for the route 109 tram. Several smaller upgrade programs have already been carried out at the interchange, but the government is looking towards delivering broader redevelopment of the site to keep up with the area’s recent commercial and residential growth.
“We’re looking at the best available options to make Box Hill Station and the wider precinct safer and easier for passengers to use,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“This experienced and dedicated team will work closely with locals and stakeholders to develop a vision for a better Box Hill interchange.”