The long-awaited Sunbury multi-deck car park was opened ahead of schedule, creating hundreds of new parking spaces in the suburb.
Built in the Sunbury Station precinct, the four-storey building was set to be completed on December 31, but instead opened on Monday, July 22.
It contains 400 parking spaces – 300 commuter car parking spaces and 100 spaces dedicated to retail-related parking.
Free to enter, the building includes accessible parking spaces, lifts, and eight charging bays for electric vehicles.
The council said the central location of the car park aims to reduce reliance on nearby residential streets previously used for overflow parking.
According to council, the new facility was completed ahead of schedule as a result of construction risks being mitigated earlier than expected.
Hume mayor Cr Naim Kurt said that the council was proud to unveil the long-awaited building.
“This multi-deck car park has been a long time coming for the Sunbury community and Hume City Council is pleased to see it’s development finally realised, after so much community advocacy,” Cr Kurt said.
“This carpark will offer modern, secure parking right in the heart of Sunbury, that will support local businesses and jobs and make the train station more accessible for day commuters heading to the city,” he said.
Funding for the project was received under the state government’s Car Parks for Commuters Program and Victorian Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution.
The federal government also contributed funding to the project as part of the broader Commuter Car Park upgrades – Northern Lines program.
Federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King said that the project was delivered through the collaboration of many levels of government.
“Projects like the Sunbury Commuter Car Park highlight the importance of Australian, state and local governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links,” Ms King said.
The contractor for the development was Cremorne-based company Kane Constructions.