3 March 2023
Updated designs released
We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing at Coolstore Road, Croydon, and building a new transport hub, which will connect Croydon's town centre.
The new Croydon Transport Hub will make it easier to get where you need to go and provide a modern and safe Croydon Station precinct.
We're building new road connections to replace the congested level crossing and roundabout at Coolstore Road, connecting Croydon's retail precincts and creating more options to cross the rail line for all transport users.
The new elevated Croydon Station will have 2 entrances, more platform coverage and modern lighting and CCTV.
We’re also building a new, streamlined bus interchange that will make it easier and safer for commuters to connect between bus and train services.
We’ve released updated designs for the new Croydon Transport Hub, providing the community with its first look at the architectural designs for a new transport precinct that will rejuvenate the heart of Croydon.
Works will start in autumn 2023 and will finish in 2025, making the Lilydale Line level crossing free.
Get involved by joining us at one of our community information sessions or visit our virtual information room.
Why this level crossing needs to go:
- More than 10,000 vehicles travel over this road each day.
- Removing this level crossing will connect the Croydon precinct, which is currently divided by the rail line.
- With the boom gates gone, we can create safer and more efficient road connections for Croydon.
- More than 100 trains pass through the level crossing every week day.
Get involved
Join us at one of our community information sessions to view the updated designs, chat with the project team and share your feedback.
Virtual sessions:
- Wednesday 22 March, 6pm to 7.15pm
- Thursday 30 March, 6pm to 7.15pm
Registrations are required for virtual sessions only. You can register to attend at Eventbrite.
Face-to-face session:
- Saturday 25 March, 11am to 2pm - Keystone Hall, Civic Square, Croydon VIC 3136.
You'll also see us popping up at the local shop and Croydon Station - feel free to stop by for a chat.
Virtual information room
Visit the virtual information room to find out more about:
- How to get around the Croydon Transport Hub
- Landscaping and vegetation
- The Croydon War Memorial
- What to expect during early works
View our virtual information room.
Connecting Croydon
The updated designs incorporate extensive community feedback, reflecting a strong desire for a safe and open transport hub that makes it easier to get around Croydon's town centre.
We're building new road connections to replace the congested level crossing and roundabout, connecting Croydon's retail precincts, and creating more options to cross the rail line for all transport users.
Journeys will be safer and more reliable through Croydon’s town centre – whether you walk, cycle, drive or catch public transport.
A new, 14-bus bay interchange, with more shelter and seating at each bus stop, will provide improved public transport connections for commuters.
Last year, the community told us they wanted safer and more intuitive walking and cycling connections for Croydon.
We're building new forecourts, pedestrian crossings, and walking and cycling paths, which will create a natural extension of the town centre, enhancing central Croydon as an appealing urban centre.
View the station design and road layout below. Please click the image to zoom in.
How community feedback shaped the design
| What we heard | How we're delivering on your feedback |
|---|---|---|
Station design | Many locals feel unsafe at the current Croydon Station. | The design of the station precinct allows for open sightlines, more CCTV and lighting. |
New colour schemes | The look and feel of the station are particularly important, and the concept design colour scheme needed more work. | Our urban designers and architects have refined colour palettes for the station precinct and added new materials, including bluestone paving, wooden seating and glazed brick on the new station buildings. |
Landscaping and vegetation | The inclusion of plenty of landscaping is important to the community, who want to maintain the green feel of Croydon. | To ensure the green feel of the area is retained, we’re increasing our earlier commitment to plant more than 60,000 trees, shrubs and grasses to over 70,000. This vegetation will be planted throughout the new station precinct. We have also refined the construction method to build the new rail bridge, which will mean more than 200 trees can be saved. |
For more information about what we heard from the community, and how feedback has helped shaped the design, read our consultation report.
Our updated designs showcase new architectural features for a modern and safer Croydon Station precinct.
The new rail bridge and new Croydon Station will unify Croydon’s town centre, bringing together the 2 precincts on either side of the rail line. Generous open space will make it easier for commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists to get around, while providing a safe and connected transport hub for both rail and bus users.
Architectural finishes
The rail bridge positions the new transport hub in the heart of Croydon. Its warm colour and textured screening provide a visual celebration of Croydon's new connection.
The light and natural colours pay homage to the autumnal hues of the nearby Dandenong Ranges. These will brighten and open the precinct, further enhancing commuter safety.
More natural light
Glass will encase the lifts and stairs at both station entrances, allowing more natural light into the station.
As you make your way up to the new, elevated platforms, commuters will enjoy panoramic views of the nearby Dandenong Ranges. The new, elevated platforms will provide more weather protection.
Safer and modern facilities
More lighting and CCTV throughout the station precinct will improve safety as you move between the station, car park and bus interchange.
Whether you’re waiting to catch a train, bus or your ride home, a sheltered waiting room offers a safe area for commuters, with direct line of sight to the nearest pick-up and drop-off zone.
New kiosk facilities at the station’s main entrance will provide an appealing meeting point for commuters.
More bike facilities
We’re making it easier for cyclists, with a new Parkiteer bike storage cage and 33 standing bike hoops, providing a total of 92 bike spaces. This will make leaving the car at home a more viable option for commuters.
Rejuvenated open space
The new station precinct connects with and celebrates Croydon Town Square, with glazed bricks on the station buildings, inspired by the brick buildings of nearby Main Street.
The rejuvenated open space features new wooden seating with back and arm rests. It will also include some of the 70,000 new trees, shrubs and grasses that will form part of the precinct.
Watch our explainer video about the updated designs below.
Protecting the local environment
While some vegetation will need to be removed from the rail corridor, our engineering and construction teams have refined the construction methods to build the new rail bridge, which will mean more than 200 trees can be saved.
We are also harvesting seeds from the existing vegetation. This allows saplings to be grown from trees that are removed. Seed harvesting helps maintain connection to the area and replenish existing species.
Our project team has progressed the development of new landscaping plans, which includes the community's feedback for native species as part of more than 70,000 trees, shrubs and grasses being planted throughout the new station precinct.
Repurposing trees for the community
We’ll work with local community groups and Maroondah City Council to discuss how some of the removed vegetation can be used for local initiatives and projects.
Some of the programs we'll look to explore:
- Donating logs to community groups, gardens, schools, Indigenous organisations, and artists
- Donating native seedlings to local nurseries for future planting
- Mulch for landscaping and revegetation
- Reuse of hollow tree logs for habitat
If you’re part of a group that could use timber for local community initiatives, please get in touch with the project team by emailing contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.
Learn how we’re saving more than 200 trees.
Preserving the Croydon War Memorial
Arthur visiting the new site at Civic Square
We're supporting Croydon RSL with its plans to relocation the historic Croydon War Memorial to Civic Square, providing improved access for the community.
The Croydon War Memorial was erected as a drinking fountain more than 100 years ago to commemorate those from the Croydon district who have served in various conflicts. Buried close to the memorial is a time capsule containing archival information about Croydon RSL.
Like many residents, Arthur, Croydon RSL’s President, has fond memories of gathering at the memorial for the Anzac Day dawn service with his family.
'One of my fondest memories was taking my eldest grandson to the dawn service at Croydon War Memorial. He was wearing my father’s rack of medals and I was wearing mine,' Arthur says.
However, in its current location in the roundabout at Coolstore Road, the memorial is unsafe for the community to access and challenging for the Croydon RSL to host its commemorative services.
This year, we will work with Croydon RSL and Maroondah City Council to relocate the war memorial to James N Stevens Memorial Lawn at Civic Square, Croydon.
An important consideration for Arthur and the RSL when planning the relocation is to provide the community with a place for quiet reflection, away from Croydon’s busy town centre.
'I am looking forward to providing a safe environment to conduct our service and a place of reflection so the community can come and remember our fallen comrades,' Arthur says.
Early works starting soon
Early works are on track to start in autumn 2023. The project team will prepare the project site so major construction can begin on the rail bridge in late 2023.
Works will include:
- site establishment, including temporary site sheds and facilities
- installation of safety fencing for project works
- vegetation removal
- utility relocation such as electrical poles and underground services.
You may notice more trucks, construction machinery and workers in the project area. We’ll let the community know well in advance of any upcoming disruptions or changes in the local area.
Changes to the way you travel
To build the new rail bridge and Croydon Station, from late March 2023 we will close the northern station car park and relocate some bus stops to nearby Kent Avenue and Croydon Road.
Alternative parking options for commuters will be available and new pedestrian crossings built to ensure you can get around the station precinct safely and easily.
We'll provide more information about what changes to expect so you can plan ahead.
Stay up to date
The best way to stay up to date on the Coolstore Road Level Crossing Removal Project is to sign up for email updates.
Register early to receive disruption updates via SMS by texting 'COOLSTORE' to 0438 942 094.
You can contact us on 1800 105 105 or email us at contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
Project timeline
2022
- Early designs announced
- Community consultation
- Contract awarded
2023
- Updated designs released
- Early works begin
- Major works begin
2025
- Boom gates gone for good and new Croydon Station open
*Please note that the timeline is subject to change*