This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Victorian government has revealed the preferred route for Metro 2, which would finally bring crucial transport infrastructure to Australia’s largest urban renewal precinct, Fishermans Bend, whilst the transformation Albion Quarter in Sunshine from a former industrial area into a community are underway.
The proposed underground tunnel would run from Clifton Hill to Newport, with stations at either Fitzroy or Carlton, Parkville, Flagstaff, Southern Cross and Fishermans Bend.
“I welcome the state government’s progress on moving forward with the Metro 2 project after no action for more than 6 years. This essential infrastructure is vital for Melbourne’s social and economic fabric. However, I remain deeply frustrated by the agonisingly slow pace and apparent lack of vision for adequately funding this critical initiative,” said Marcus Pearl, councillor at the City of Port Phillip.
“While there is still a long way to go in bringing Metro 2 to fruition, I harbour significant doubts about the state government’s ability to fund such an enormous project. The current state economy and budgetary constraints pose serious challenges to securing the necessary investment for Metro 2. It is imperative that we see not just plans and promises, but concrete actions and financial commitments to ensure this project doesn’t remain a mere aspiration but becomes a reality for Melbourne’s future.”
The “possible” plans come after six years and would see an underground train station next to Marvel Stadium connect to two stations in the underserviced Fishermans Bend precinct.
Fishermans Bend is Australia’s largest urban renewal precinct and is set to be home to approximately 80,000 residents and 80,000 employment opportunities by 2050.
The stations would include a stop at the future Sandridge commercial and residential precinct and the proposed employment and research hub at the old GM Holden site.
The tunnel would run under the Docklands end of Bourke Street, rather than below Wurundjeri Way.
The 2018 framework also promised a new tram line from the CBD to Fishermans Bends by 2025, which has seemingly fallen through.
“There are businesses we know that are waiting for the surety and certainty that public transport brings for their employees, for them to make investment decisions to invest, employ, develop and make Fishermans Bend their home,” said Murray Nicol, vice-president at Fishermans Bend Business Forum.
Meanwhile, the Allan government has commenced planning works to transform the Albion Quarter in Sunshine from a former industrial area into a community with more housing, jobs and services.
The project includes the upgraded Albion Station, extending to the four quarters either side of the railway station and north of Ballarat Road, and within the suburbs of Albion, Sunshine North and Sunshine.
Albion Station will also be connected to the Metro Tunnel when it opens in 2025.
