Works on a $24.5 million Brumby Labor Government revamp of Geelong Railway Station began today.
Planning Minister Justin Madden today visited the site with Member for Geelong Ian Trezise to turn the sod and mark the start of works.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to renew our regional towns and centres and promote good development and urban design,” Mr Madden said.
“Geelong is a vibrant regional centre, Victoria’s second largest city and provides a vital link to the State’s south-west region – this community will play an important role in providing for the future growth of Victoria.
“When completed the new railway precinct will create a safer and more pedestrian friendly link to the town centre.”
“When completed the new railway precinct will create a safer and more pedestrian friendly link to the town centre that the Geelong community can be proud of.”
The Brumby Labor Government funding will be used to construct a new street from the railway station to Mercer Street creating a much needed link between the railway station, the waterfront and central Geelong.
Mr Trezise said that when completed, the new precinct would also include a new station forecourt and improvements to parking and pathways as well as landscaping and street furniture.
“This project will be of great benefit to Geelong residents and visitors alike,’’ Mr Trezise said.
“It will not only be more convenient and practical but also visually appealing.”
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell said the Geelong Transit City project would provide further stimulation for the Western Wedge development precinct.
“The project will provide a much more inviting and obvious pedestrian link between the station and Central Geelong and the waterfront,” said Cr Mitchell.
“The creation of a future development site in the north east station precinct provides an exciting new development opportunity in the Western Wedge, strategically located adjacent to the station and near to the waterfront and the CBD.”
Construction of the new street expected to be completed by late 2010.