An extra 150 spaces will be added to Beaconsfield station, with a car park funded by the federal and Victorian governments.
The current 285-space car park at Beaconsfield station in the outer south east suburbs of Melbourne is often full by 7.30 in the morning, and over 250,000 commuters use the station each year. Commuters instead use nearby streets for parking.
Delivering the project are the Level Crossing Removal Project, Metro Trains Melbourne, and Fulton Hogan.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said that commuters on the Pakenham line would not only be the ones who benefit.
“More parking spaces at trains stations means more people on public transport and more cars off the road.
“Beaconsfield Station is one of 30 sites identified as high priority across Victoria and this will make a big difference in the lives of local people.”
The car park will be built on vacant state-owned land next to the existing car park and will feature improved lighting and CCTV. Bicycle parking will also be facilitated, with the installation of new amenities such as a Parkiteer and 16 additional bike hoops.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said that the investment would enable more people to use public transport.
“Victoria’s Big Build is revitalising transport in the south-east – we want all Victorians to be able to experience our huge investment in our transport infrastructure and be better connected than ever,” he said.
“The Victorian government is getting on with boosting capacity at station car parks that need it most – making sure everyone can use our public transport system without parking congestion being a barrier.”
Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said that the upgrade was the first for an Urban Congestion Fund project in La Trobe.
Funding has also come from the federal Commuter Car Park Fund and the Victorian Car Parks for Commuters Fund.
Craigieburn parking underway
At Craigieburn, in Melbourne’s outer north, 745 new carparking spaces are under construction.
Member for Yuroke Ros Spence said that for the expanding area car parks meant more could travel via train.
“These new spaces will deliver a significant boost to car parking for Craigieburn Station and enable more people to access public transport in our rapidly growing community.”
The carpark is expected to be completed before the end of 2020 and will lift the total number of spaces at the station to over 1,000.
Surrounding streets will be improved to enable pedestrian access, as well as space for bicycles, lighting and CCTV.