Jeff Xu seeks childcare operator at Box Hill
Jeff Xu’s Golden Age Group is seeking a pre-commitment for the childcare component of its Sky Square project in Box Hill, scheduled to open late next year.
The 878 square metre centre with an 812 sqm outdoor space forms part of a three storey podium also with retail and a food precinct.
To be known as SKY SQR, the 12,000 sqm platform will flank two 17 storey apartment buildings all up containing c400 dwellings and 77 hotel rooms.
The listing comes three months since Golden Age spent $12.78 million for a 1191 sqm Commercial 1 zoned block at 69 Carrington Road, Box Hill, it is expected, for a high density residential project.
In late 2020, meanwhile, Mr Xu paid $61m for the five hectare ex-St Leo’s College at Box Hill South.
Once the subject of a planning application for townhouses and seven level apartment buildings, it too is earmarked for residential.
“Box Hill has emerged as a thriving destination and is renowned as Melbourne’s second satellite city,” Mr Xu said.
At 545 Station St, next door to the Sky Square project, Golden Age in 2019 completed the Sky One apartment tower, for years the suburb’s tallest, rising 36 levels with 436 dwellings over retail.
Next chapter for ex-council car park
Both 69 Carrington Rd and the former St Leo’s were acquired following campaigns led by mortgagees in possessions or their representatives.
The 7244 sqm Station St parcel by comparison was purchased by the City of Whitehorse; formerly an open-air car park, it cost $51.8m in 2016, and was rezoned from Public Use to Mixed Use the year later.
Sky Square’s end value has been put at c$350m.
Elsewhere in the area, Vicinity is seeking to construct several towers, including a 48 storey skyscraper – the suburb’s tallest – on sites around its Box Hill Central shopping centre, which also contains a train station.
Part of a 25 level, 48,000 sqm office forming part of that $2 billion proposal was pre-committed to by co-work outfit Hub Australia two years ago (story continues below).
MAB Corporation is also behind one of several apartment towers in the suburb with its Tempo at 2-4 Bruce St – near a proposed Suburban Rail Loop entrance.
Childcare coming to central Box Hill
Scheduled to open late next year, the Box Hill childcare centre is licensed for 107 children, with designated pick up and drop off areas.
The lease also includes 10 car parks.
CBRE’s Jimmy Tat, Sandro Peluso and Marcello Caspani-Muto are the agents.
“Golden Age’s development plans reflect its commitment to creating innovative spaces that cater to the evolving needs of the community,” Mr Tatt said.
“The 72,000 sqm [Sky Square] development has been architecturally designed by Fender Katsalidis and encompasses a…three level basement,” he added.
“The childcare centre’s location in Box Hill’s main commercial precinct ensures convenient access to all amenities and enhances the overall urban experience,” according to the agent.
“There are several primary schools nearby, making this childcare centre a great option for families seeking a balance between early education and primary school transition.
“This easing opportunity is a testament to Box Hill’s continuous urbanisation and the growing demand for education facilities in the area”.
The listing comes two months since Golden Age sold restaurateur Chris Lucas a suite within a 27 level strata office under construction at 130 Little Collins Street, in town.
Mr Xu is also set to develop a major medium and high density residential project on the ex-Xavier College Kostka Hall, in Brighton, which he bought from Jesuits Australia for $100m last year.
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