Was it Silas Padgham who envisioned a piece of Surrey in Melbourne? Perhaps. Let’s explore Box Hill.
Box Hill. It is a vibrant suburb 14 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD. It is known for its rich history and thriving community.
Box Hill started as a township in the 1850s. Over time, it grew into a small city with its own CBD. In the 1950s, Melbourne expanded and absorbed Box Hill. Today, Box Hill is known for its large Chinese community. It is one of Melbourne’s largest. It also boasts some of the city’s tallest high-rises outside the CBD.
The Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people lived here for thousands of years before European settlement. They relied on the area’s creeks for food and water. Arundel Wrighte first settled Box Hill in 1838. He took up a pastoral lease near Bushy Creek. Thomas Toogood and his wife Edith were the first permanent settlers. They purchased 5000 acres in 1841.
Traffic increased and a hotel was built in 1853. The owner called it the White Horse Hotel. This name then passed on to the road. The Box Hill Post Office opened in 1861. This marked the first official use of the name. Silas Padgham, the postmaster, suggested the name. He was inspired by Box Hill in Surrey, England. It was near his birthplace.
In 1871, Box Hill had a population of just 154. The district thrived on orchards, vineyards and mixed farming. The railway arrived in 1882. It spurred growth. A school opened in 1887. Box Hill became the seat of the Nunawading Shire Council. They met at the Box Hill Courthouse.
The mid-1880s saw Box Hill become a haven for landscape artists. They wanted to capture the Australian bush. Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin were among them. They formed the Box Hill artists’ camp. This movement became known as the Heidelberg School. It was Australia’s first distinct Western art movement.
Trams reached the edge of Box Hill in 1916-17. Residential growth followed World War I. A girls’ technical school opened in 1924. A boys’ high school followed in 1930. The new town hall opened in 1935. It boosted the local brickworks. The Box Hill Presbyterian Church has an interesting story. It was originally built in West Melbourne in 1867. In 1935, it was dismantled and rebuilt in Box Hill.
After World War II, Box Hill was suburbanised. However, Box Hill South and North remained undeveloped. Post-war expansion included a Housing Commission estate in Box Hill South. A district hospital opened in 1956. By the late 1950s, parking became a major issue.
In 1954, Box Hill was designated a district centre for Melbourne. This plan succeeded. The Box Hill TAFE and office buildings added to its importance. There are large reserves with ovals near Box Hill Central.
Box Hill forged a sister city relationship with Matsudo, Japan in 1971. “Box Hill” is also the name of a department store in Matsudo. In 1994, Box Hill City merged with Nunawading City. This formed Whitehorse City.
Box Hill has experienced a construction boom recently. It is now home to many high-rise buildings. The Australian Taxation Office’s Box Hill Tower is one such example. Other examples are Whitehorse Towers and Sky One. More high-rises are being built. New Chinatown is a $450 million twin tower project. It will be a modern counterpart to Melbourne’s Chinatown.
Box Hill serves as a major hub for Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The Box Hill railway station is one of the city’s busiest. Tram route 109 also serves the area. It runs along Whitehorse Road.
Box Hill offers many parks and gardens. These include Box Hill Gardens, Surrey Park and R.H.L. Sparks Reserve. These spaces provide sporting facilities.
Box Hill is a place where history meets modern life. It is a suburb with a unique identity. From its indigenous roots to its modern skyscrapers. Box Hill continues to evolve while preserving its heritage.