Brimbank council is supporting a St Albans trader’s plea to retain a carpark that looks set to be replaced by a bike path.
The gravel carpark along St Albans Road, about half-way between St Albans and Ginifer train stations, had room for about 30 cars before it was closed when work began on the removal of the Main Road and Furlong Road level crossings.
Its closure has wreaked havoc on the group of small businesses opposite, who have been robbed of their customer car parking, according to Bill Dawson, owner of St Albans Complete Car Care.
The land is owned by VicTrack, who say it has never been an official carpark, or leased to anyone for use as a carpark.
VicTrack plans to build a bike and pedestrian path that runs parallel with the Sunbury Line linking St Albans and Ginifer stations, and to turn the remainder of the land previously used for car parking into parkland.
Mr Dawson said the plan is a “retrograde step” for St Albans.
He said VicTrack did not consult affected businesses about their proposal and that St Albans was crying out for more car parking.
“It appears once again the western suburbs are treated with contempt and a lack of respect or understanding by those who make decisions about our community, without actually living here,” he said. “The short-sightedness of the decision to remove car parking from this area is nothing short of amazing.”
Brimbank council’s infrastructure and city services acting director Tom Razmovski said the council also believed the carpark should stay. “Council has advised both the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) and VicTrack that it is supportive of the parking area being retained, subject to it being upgraded and accepted as safe,” he said.
LXRA project director Tony Hedley said the new footpath and cycling path would contribute significantly to the revitalisation of St Albans.
“It will be a great asset for all the community to use. It connects two train stations with schools, shops and Sunshine Hospital,” he said.
He said it was due to open next month.
