Varsity Lakes train station on Queensland’s Gold Coast Line has received 81 temporary car parking spaces, expanding on the spots provided for commuters during the Commonwealth Games.
Temporary lighting and CCTV has also been installed, alongside remedial work on the station car park’s surface, line marking and fencing, in an upgrade state transport minister Mark Bailey said was relatively straightforward process – a “quick win” for commuters using the station.
Vacant land around Varsity Lakes train station has been reserved for use as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and for further car parking spaces to be installed.
“Following these remedial works to improve safety and usability, there are now 174 temporary overflow car parks in place while longer term planning for the site occurs,” Bailey said.
“There are currently 305 permanent car spaces at Varsity Lakes train station, and using temporary parking including the former Commonwealth Games parking to increase the number of parks is a common-sense outcome that benefits commuters.”
Bailey said that potential TOD developments had been identified at train stations where the state owns adjacent land surplus to station requirements.
Adjacent to Varsity Lakes station, the state owns four parcels of vacant land totalling approximately 8.4 hectares, acquired for the construction of the Robina to Varsity Lakes Rail project and for an eventual TOD.
“This type of development typically promotes increased use of public transport as well as improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity with rail stations and any associated bus interchanges,” he said.
“The vibrant space created by a TOD means more passive surveillance and provides a sense of security around train stations.”