Stockhorse Avenue Reserve is moving from plan to reality, with The Hills Shire Council appointing a contractor to build the new park in Box Hill. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
The 5,126m2 reserve will have a playground, a multipurpose court, and room for both active and quiet recreation. It will also include a drinking fountain, a shelter, seating, gardens, and new trees, with pathways running through and around the park.
The project is valued at $1.3 million. Mayor of the Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, says it is a welcome step in delivering much-needed infrastructure for a suburb that is growing fast. Box Hill is expected to be home to 49,000 residents eventually, and she says parks like this give people somewhere close to home to stay active, meet neighbours and look after their health.
The contractor was appointed after community consultation that drew more than 150 responses. Mayor Byrne says residents were clear about what they wanted. They asked for a multipurpose court that could host sports such as basketball, and for shaded spots where people can sit and relax. Council has included both, with the aim of a park that works all year round comfortably.
Council will keep pressing State and Federal Governments to lift infrastructure spending in Box Hill. Mayor Byrne says Box Hill faces a $207 million infrastructure shortfall that those governments need to address.
In the meantime, Council is pushing ahead with the projects it can deliver, including Stockhorse Avenue Reserve and The Water Lane Reserve, which is set to open at the end of this year.
