Following the Victorian government’s announcement of Budget funds for new car parking spots at several Melbourne stations, it has now confirmed that Sunbury station will receive hundreds of new parking spaces.
Sunbury’s existing 600 spaces are frequently full by morning between Monday and Friday, used as they are by commuters, shoppers, and shop tenants.
Planning on the expansion of Sunbury Station’s carparking by 300 spaces will reportedly be complete by the middle of this year. Local stakeholders and the City of Hume have been consulted on potential development options at the precinct.
The new spaces will include accessible parking for those with a disability, bicycle storage facilities, and improved pedestrian access.
The Andrews government will use the 2018-19 state Budget to provide 2,000 spaces, along with bicycle storage facilities and upgraded pedestrian access at Belgrave, Sandown Park, Epping and Craigieburn stations, among others.
“The government has already delivered over 3,000 new and upgraded car parks. This investment will encourage more people to use public transport, helping ease traffic congestion on our major roads,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“It will make it safer and more accessible, which is especially important for people using the car park early in the morning or late at night.”
Josh Bull, Labor’s MP for Sunbury, said that delivery of the new parking spaces at the station precinct would require the government to work through land ownership and regulatory arrangements.
“Sunbury residents have long called for additional parking at the station and we have been working hard through complex existing arrangements to find the best solution,” Bull said.
“Expanding commuter car parking at Sunbury Station will help meet the long-term parking needs of commuters and shoppers, which will ease congestion in the Sunbury CBD and make life easier for local shoppers and traders.”