By Jessica Micallef
It’s “full steam ahead” for a new multi-level carpark for Sunbury station.
Up to 600 additional parking spots will be provided in the parking lot behind Harris Scarfe, on the corner of Station and Evans streets.
The new carpark is expected to have accessible parking, secure storage facilities for cyclists and better access for pedestrians.
Safety and security will also be key considerations in the design and delivery of the project.
Hume council and the state government’s Department of Transport last month signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), both agreeing to contribute to funding the design and development costs of the project.
Under the agreement, the council will undertake design and feasibility investigations to progress the development.
The project is in the early stages of planning.
Hume’s deputy mayor Jack Medcraft said the multi-level carpark was a “necessity” for Sunbury.
“It’s been how many years in the making?”’he said.
“What it will do is provide a lot of businesses [and] shopkeepers with a place to park their car.
“It’ll provide parking for people wanting to shop in Sunbury.
“It’ll free up congestion that a lot of people have been experiencing.”
Cr Medcraft said the carpark would feature “allocated spots” for train commuters. He said the parking lot behind Harris Scarfe was the best location for the multi-level carpark.
“It’s the best location. People need to understand that there will be some disruption while it is being built,” he said.
“Be patient because I’ve had so many people contact me over the years and I have been working hard to make this a reality.”
The Jacksons Creek ward councillor is hoping 2020 is the year construction starts on the long-awaited carpark.
“People have been screaming for it,” Cr Medcraft said. “I would like to see it built as soon as possible. We’ve got it signed off and the next thing is the design work. “We are going to build it. We have the green light and we can finally do something. It’s full steam ahead.”
