Contracts have been awarded for the preliminary designs to upgrade Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations in regional Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government over the weekend announced Arcadis Group will undertake preliminary design for the Bendigo Station works, and Kinsley Group will undertake preliminary design work to inform the Eaglehawk Station upgrade.
Public transport minister Jacinta Allan said the preliminary design work will be critical to informing the look, feel and function of the upgrades.
“We are getting on with delivering what the community has asked for and deserves – better station access for people of all abilities, and station areas that are comfortable and convenient,” Allan said.
“We’re taking the time to make sure that we get the design right for everyday passengers. We’re making it easier for people to catch a train on the Bendigo Line and upgrading Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s investment to improve public transport services in regional Victoria.”
Bendigo Station will get a new pedestrian overpass with lifts and stairs, along with a “much needed” makeover of the waiting area, toilets and customer service areas, and improvements to traffic management and parking at the station to make it easier for people to arrive on foot, by bus, bicycle or taxi.
At Eaglehawk, the platform will be extended, and 60 parking spaces and a new footpath will also be added.
Allan said the need for these upgrades was identified by the Regional Network Development Plan, the community consultative taskforce set up to improve access at both stations.
The upgrades are also consistent with the City of Greater Bendigo integrated transport and land use strategy Connecting Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Station Improvement Plan and the Eaglehawk Station Precinct Master Plan, the minister said.
Construction is expected to start in early 2018.