The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 4 level crossings and building 2 new stations in Preston, improving safety, creating more local connections and allowing more trains to run more often.

By raising the Mernda line at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road, we’re creating new open space for the community to enjoy for generations to come.

The new Bell Station will be safer and more accessible, with features including:

• upgraded modern facilities and waiting rooms
• elevated platforms with seating protected from Melbourne’s weather
• lifts and stairs making it easier for everyone to catch the train
• more spaces to securely lock your bike.

Working with the Department of Transport and Metro Trains Melbourne, the new Bell Station meets their strict requirements, while also adhering to Victorian and Australian legislation for accessibility and safety.

The new Bell Station design reflects Preston’s rich history with post-war roof tops, and references to the local art and culture scene. Aspects from each can be seen in the station facade through the building’s abstract pitched roof and the pink and purple coloured glazing.

We’re extending Bell Station’s forecourt, generating more open space between the new station and Bell Street with more planting, seating and greenery for locals to enjoy. New shared walking and cycling paths through the area will make it easier for everyone to access the station and connect to the new open space along the rail corridor.

Bell Station opens late 2022.

Bell Station's new features

More green open spaces

Preston locals have told us they want to see more green open space.

Moving the new Bell Station about 40m south increases the amount of community open space.

There will be paths that connect streets east and west, removing the former divide between communities. The area will also feature trees, seating and drinking fountains, creating a welcome respite area for passengers waiting for the train or locals travelling through the area.

Enhancing Preston’s arts precinct

We heard that arts and culture is important to the community.

We’re creating a seamless connection from the station to the arts auditorium, opening the precinct and creating a welcoming space for everyone using the area.

Preston locals will be able to walk directly from High Street in Preston to the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre without having to walk along busy Bell Street.

The new station design complements Preston’s arts precinct. Integrated into the facade of the new station, the bright pink and purple colours use a ‘shimmer’ effect to create a play of light and movement for people walking by.

Going green

Bell Station’s got green ambitions as a leader in sustainability.

Designed for water and energy efficiency, sustainable features include solar panels, rain water reuse, LED lighting in the station and car park, and environmentally sustainable materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Walking and cycling

The community has asked for more walking and cycling paths to safely move around the area.

We’re creating improved walking and cycling paths to provide more ways for locals and visitors to get to Bell Station.

To maintain safety for the 82 per cent of passengers that walk to the station, there is a dedicated cycling path around Bell Station, separating cyclists from pedestrians in this busy area.

Bike hoops outside the station provide parking spaces for 28 bikes and a new Parkiteer cage provides safe and secure storage for 26 bikes.

A signalised walking and cycling connection across Bell Street will provide safe access to all the new community open spaces under the rail bridge.

Car parking

Some locals told us they want more car parking and others wanted less.

We’re maintaining the same number of car parks at Bell Station.

The new Bell Station car park will make it safer and easier to get to the station for commuters. Accessible permit parking will be located closest to the station entrance, ensuring equitable access for all members of the community. The new station car park will feature CCTV cameras and LED lighting for increased safety.

To create space for the new car park we’re relocating the Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) maintenance depot. This will reduce the number of trucks and large utility vehicles on Garnet, Adeline and Gertrude streets. The new car park will have 77 car spaces. In addition, there’ll be provision for 5 motorbike parking spaces.

Drivers will be able to access the new car park via Railway Place East and Gertrude Street, with an exit only at Adeline Street. Trees and shrubs will help create a barrier between homes and the station precinct.

Connections to local transport

We heard that creating smoother and safer connections between trains and buses is important to Preston locals.

The new station is designed to keep people moving and improve connections around the area.

Bell Street bus stops are being moved closer to the station and there’ll be a signalised pedestrian crossing at Bell Street, making it safer and easier for passengers travelling by bus to get to the station.

There will also be separate kiss-and-ride and taxi zones for easy pick-up and drop-off with access via Bell and Garnet streets.

Improved accessibility

We heard that creating a space that is accessible for everyone is a priority for locals.

The new Bell Station design meets Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requirements and Australian design standards for access and mobility. There will be lifts to the platform at each station entrance that will be big enough to accommodate mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams, and use a separate power supply.

The new waiting room will be located next to the ticket area for staff assistance and will include accessible toilets. Accessible permit parking, kiss-and-ride and taxi zones will be near station entrances.

Questions and answers

When will the new Bell Station open?

Bell Station will open to passengers in late 2022.

Works will continue on landscaping, with the open space ready for the community to enjoy in 2023.

Why has the station been moved south?

Relocating the new Bell Station about 40m south creates the space required for a dedicated kiss-and-ride area with access via Garnet Street, separating drivers accessing the station car park from the drop-off and pick-up zone.

It also increases the open space for the new station forecourt between Bell Street and the new Bell Station, providing better pedestrian access and east–west connections. Increasing the distance between Bell and Preston stations assists with the design requirements for the rail signal system.

What safety features are there?

The new Bell Station is designed to Department of Transport and Metro Trains Melbourne standards.

There is CCTV on platforms, waiting areas and station entrances, and facilities for Protective Services Officers. Clear sightlines and open and well-lit areas with LED lighting in the station and car park increases safety.

How do I get to the platform if lifts are broken?

The station lifts will connect to an emergency uninterrupted power supply that enables the lifts to continue operating during the event of a power outage or emergency.

Project timeline

Please note that the timeline shown is subject to change.