The number and location of extra parking spaces at Watergardens train station will be known by year’s end.
Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said last week a working group would be set up to thrash out the options for getting more commuter parking around the station.
Ms Hutchins will chair the working group, which will include representatives of Public Transport Victoria (PTV), VicTrack, Brimbank council and Watergardens shopping centre owners Queensland Investment Corporation.
She said the exact number of additional parking spaces and where they would be located was not yet known as the details would be determined through the working group process.
Ms Hutchins said demand for parking at Watergardens train station was growing.
“That’s why we’re establishing a working group to look specifically at how to boost parking near the station,” she said.
“I look forward to chairing the group and working with local council, transport agencies and Watergardens shopping centre to provide more spaces near the station for people to park their car and catch the train.”
A PTV spokesman said there were currently 682 line-marked and sealed car parking spaces and about 550 in a gravel area that PTV and Metro lease from the shopping centre.
More commuter parking at the busy Sydenham train station is being considered as part of the Level Crossing Removal Authority’s plans to remove the Melton Highway level crossing.
Expressions of interest to build a road bridge over the rail line at Melton Highway in Sydenham are currently being advertised.
A contract is expected to be awarded later this year, with construction due to begin early next year and the project completed by the end of 2018.
