More than $983,000 of Victorian Government funding was today announced for six projects that will further revitalise Boronia.
The funding will go towards delivering Council and community projects, including bringing traders together for arts, cultural and economic development activities, improving streetscapes through artwork, signage for the town centre, lighting upgrades to Chandler Park sports field and grants for not-for-profit and community organisations.
Council will contribute a further $342,400 towards these projects.
Council recently celebrated artwork created under the Boronia Arcade and Laneways Upgrade project, enlivening the walls around the shopping precinct with colourful murals and light boxes. This adds to five large murals recently created in the heart of Boronia, which include artwork depicting the Dandenong Ranges and First Nations’ history.
The projects were developed with the community and funded through the Victorian Government’s Suburban Revitalisation program as part of the Building a Better Boronia initiative.
Knox Mayor Cr Susan Laukens said the projects funded are part of Council’s Boronia Renewal Strategy, which identifies the suburb as a priority hub for shopping, services, employment, housing, public transport and social activity.
“Council welcomes the funding announced by the Victorian Government today and Council is proud to announce our own further investment in this vital urban hub,” she said.
“Revival of this area is so important as Council looks to reactivate local businesses and support a strong local economy.
“More than $500,000 in funding and in-kind support will go towards working with traders to deliver arts, cultural and economic development projects, while a further $250,000 will be used for new pedestrian signage in the town centre.
“Arts and cultural projects have the power to transform public spaces and we hope that artworks and murals delivered by Council will help to restore civic pride and contribute to positive visitor experiences.
“Council seeks funding from all levels of government to implement our vision for Boronia, which includes rebuilding Boronia train station and the surrounding precinct and replacing the multi-deck commuter car park with a new one for up to 500 cars at a different location, to open up this important public space.
“We’ve long heard that Boronia is old, tired and in need of significant investment. With all levels of government working together, we can create a contemporary and vibrant retail and commercial centre to breathe new life into Boronia.”
