Project consultation continues

The Victorian Government is investing more than $4 billion in the Frankston line to improve safety, reduce congestion and allow for more trains to run more often.

We’re removing the dangerous and congested Warrigal Road and Parkers Road level crossings by building a rail bridge over the roads and a new Parkdale Station.

A new rail bridge will reduce local congestion and allow more trains to run more often, as well as deliver new open space and better local connections for the community.

Since September last year we have held online and face-to-face community engagement sessions and have finalised our Parkdale Open Space Advisory Panel. Panel members, who are representatives of the local community, will be integral in helping shape the open space at Parkdale.

The community can also share feedback on the open space via our new open space design survey.

We’re now seeking further community ideas and input on the new open space, as well as feedback to inform the planning approval process.

Project features

• New Parkdale Station
• Improved safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
• Improved travel times and reduced congestion
• New community facilities and open space
• New walking and cycling path
• Better local connections

Parkdale Open Space Advisory Panel

The panel will be independently facilitated, and alongside our 14 community members, will comprise local council representatives, and members of the project team, including architects and designers.

Panel members will liaise with local community groups and their networks to gather ideas and feedback on the new open space and disseminate relevant information to the community.

The panel will meet 6 times between February and June 2022, followed by additional meetings as required.

In addition to providing feedback through the panel, the local community will have many other opportunities to contribute to the design of the new open space through surveys and other avenues.

• Parkdale open Space Advisory Panel convenes February 2022
• Open space survey and planning approval survey open February to March 2022
• Community feedback report released April to May 2022
• Concept designs released Mid 2022
• Community information sessions Mid 2022

New Open Space

As part of the project, we’re creating new community open space under and around the elevated rail line.

The design of this space will be developed in conjunction with our Parkdale Open Space Advisory Panel and with ongoing input from the community. Opportunities for this new open space include new trees and landscaping, walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, recreation areas, sporting facilities, and more parking for the local shops, which will encourage more people to the shopping precinct.

Whether by car, bike or foot, locals will be able to get to shops, cafes and beach more quickly and safely.

Help us shape early designs

To help us shape the early open space designs, we’d like to hear from you on the following aspects of the new open space:

• the proportion of new trees and landscaping, open grassed areas, gathering places, and community facilities you would like to see (i.e. the balance between these elements)
• connections between existing and proposed walking and cycling paths, as well as existing community facilities and the new open space
• how much of the total open space should be dedicated to parking (both trader and commuter car parking)
• playground equipment style and design recreational, sporting and cultural facility preferences.

To provide more feedback on the open space, complete the survey at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-mentone-and-parkdale

What we heard

In December and January, we asked you about what you would like to see in the new open space.

The community expressed a strong preference for new trees, plants and landscaping (70%), walking and cycling paths (52%), open grassed areas (45%) and gathering places with tables and seating (45%).

Other community preferences were split between more parking for the shops, playgrounds and play equipment, recreational and sporting facilities, cultural facilities and more commuter car parking for the station.

Original ideas included a skate park, community garden, a reading place, and bike repair and maintenance facilities.

A community consultation report will be available online April–May 2022, including all of the feedback we receive about the new open space.

Planning approval

Planning approval for this project will proceed under Clause 52.03 – Level Crossing Removal Project of the Kingston Planning Scheme.

LXRP is seeking community feedback on a range of planning matters, including:

• project boundary
• construction-related impacts
• environmental impacts
• amenity impacts
• native vegetation
• heritage.

Consultation is now open, providing you with the opportunity to formally submit your feedback. Planning submissions can be made online at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-mentone-and-parkdale

If you would like a hard copy submission form sent to you, please contact us on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Planning submissions can be made until 11.59pm Monday 21 March 2022.

All feedback received will be included in a consultation summary report, which will inform the Minister for Planning’s assessment of the project.

Next Steps

Along with our continuing technical investigations, we’ll use your feedback to progress the design for the project and to seek planning approvals. There will be further opportunities to learn more and provide feedback as the project progresses.

We'll be coming back out to you in the coming months to share concept designs and ask for your feedback on design elements of the new station precinct and open space such as:

• Overall look and feel
• New station materials
• Early plans for the new open space
• Landscaping and seating options
• Location and inspiration for public art
• Potential for commuter parking and more trader parking

Planned project timeline

Late 2021

• Project introduction online sessions
• Vision and values consultation
• Open Space Advisory Panel nominations
• Face to face community engagement sessions

Early 2022

• Open space consultation
• Planning consultation
• Open Space Advisory Panel meetings commence

Mid 2022

• Early station precinct and open space designs consultation
• Community engagement sessions
• Open Space Advisory Panel meetings continue

Late 2022

• Refined station precinct and open space designs consultation
• Community engagement sessions
• Stakeholder Liaison Group nominations

2023

• Final designs released
• Start of works

2025

• Project completion