30 June 2021
We're removing the Manchester Road, Mooroolbark and Maroondah Highway, Lilydale level crossings by building rail bridges over the roads.
Two new stations will be built at Lilydale and Mooroolbark as part of the project. A new multi-deck car park will also be built at Mooroolbark Station, which will contribute to doubling car parking to 900 spaces, making it easier for commuters to find a park.
Local heritage is an important consideration on all our level crossing removal projects. We work closely with Heritage Victoria, Aboriginal Victoria and the local community to understand an area’s heritage.
Both Lilydale and Mooroolbark have their own unique and rich history, so we’re working hard to make sure local heritage and community history lives on.
Revitalising the Lilydale Station building
A historic heritage assessment identified the existing Lilydale Station building to be on the Heritage Register or Heritage Inventory, under the Heritage Act 2017.
In liaison with Heritage Victoria, the design of the rail bridge at Lilydale minimises impacts to the station. A new forecourt area will revitalise the existing station and create a welcoming approach to the building that enhances its heritage character.
The heritage building will remain in place once the new station opens. We are working with VicTrack and council to explore future use of the building.
Retaining the Lilydale goods shed
As part of this project, the heritage- listed goods shed which currently stands in the Lilydale railway sidings will be retained in its current location.
Access will be maintained for the Yarra Valley Model Railway Club who currently operate out of the goods shed.
Red bricks will live on at Lilydale
Thanks to the Lilydale Stakeholder Liaison Group members, final designs have been amended to acknowledge Lilydale’s link to red bricks.
Some of the distinctive red bricks from the John Street bridge will be used to create seating near the existing Lilydale Station building.
The vicinity of the heritage-listed building provides the perfect setting for the bricks to live on for years to come.
Moving the historic Mooroolbark Station building
We’re relocating part of the existing station to a new home at the Yarra Valley Railway.
Part of the existing station building will be moved from its current location to accommodate the new and modern Mooroolbark Station, along with the multi-deck car park.
The community told us that finding a new use and location for the station building was important. We worked with stakeholders including Yarra Ranges Council, Yarra Valley Railway and VicTrack to determine the future use of the building.
As part of major construction works in mid-2021, we’ll be relocating part of the building to Box Hill TAFE to be refurbished before it goes to its new home at the Yarra Valley Railway.
Protecting Brushy Creek
Land within 200m of Brushy Creek and Olinda Creek is an area of cultural heritage importance.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been developed in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 to ensure the appropriate management of Aboriginal heritage values on this project.
Aboriginal Victoria is responsible for approving the plan, while the project is responsible for complying with its conditions.
An archaeological dig at Mooroolbark
We carried out an archaeological dig in the Mooroolbark Station car park to look for the original footings of the Station Master’s House, which dates back to 1887.
The house is listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory. We engaged an archaeology consultancy, Dr Vincent Clark and Associates, to uncover the site.
The dig uncovered a number of artefacts including children’s toys, household items and the footings of the original house.
We are working closely with Heritage Victoria, Aboriginal Victoria and the Traditional Owner groups on next steps for showcasing and caring for these artefacts.
New art for Mooroolbark
To celebrate the rich history of Mooroolbark, we will install a commemorative wall near the bus bays in the new Mooroolbark Station precinct.
The wall will display artwork that celebrates the history of the local area. Community feedback suggested we use historical photos, to fit the theme of ‘A look through time – early history of Mooroolbark through to the present’.