The state government has opened a new 640-space multi level car park at Belgrave Station, making it easier for people living in surrounding areas to access public transport.
Public and Active Transport Mininster Gabrielle Williams and Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino visited Belgrave Station on Thursday 14 December to see how the new car park was benefitting public transport users in the Dandenong Ranges.
The upgrade has significantly increased the parking available at Belgrave Station by 470 spaces – and also includes lifts and 16 accessible car spaces located on the ground floor.
The new space includes a public announcement system, 11 hoop bike racks and real time parking availability signs so people can see how many spaces are free as they enter the car park.
The car park is also fitted with six electric vehicle chargers, as part of an ongoing trial of EV charging facilities within station car parks. Other improvements include an undercover pick-up and drop off area, and road widening to improve access to the car park.
Ms De Martino said people drove from nearby suburbs to catch the train at Belgrave Station.
“The new car park will make their journeys much easier by giving them more confidence that they will be able to park their car,” she said.
“We are grateful for the continued patience of residents and local traders while the car park was built, and while further works are delivered over the coming weeks.”
The station precinct’s bus interchange has recieved an upgrade – through updated line marking and new seating. The buses are now using a priority exit lane and signals at the roundabout to further reduce congestion and allow them to leave the station more efficiently.
Works to reinstate and upgrade the pedestrian connection between Hayes Place and Belgrave Station will continue over the coming weeks.
The Belgrave Station car park was delivered by VicTrack as part of the Labor Government’s Car Parksfor Commuters Program. Since 2014, more than 17,000 new and upgraded parking spaces have been delivered at metropolitan and regional stations across the state, with almost 4,000 new and upgraded spaces to be delivered.
Ms Williams said the new car park had “significantly“ increased parking available for public transport users and will benefit “everyone“ by freeing up parking in Belgrave’s town centre for shoppers and traders.
“This upgrade will allow locals to make seamless connections at Belgrave Station, no matter what their preferred mode of transport,” she said.
For more information on the Belgrave Station car park project, visit carparks.vic.gov.au
