A third train station, near Hawkstowe Parade, is likely to be incorporated into the proposed extension of the South Morang line to Mernda in response to community concern.
Original plans for the rail extension specified two new stations – a premium station in Mernda integrated into the proposed Mernda Town Centre and one between Mernda and South Morang.
But at a press conference on Sunday, February 28, to announce the opening of expressions of interest to design and construct the extended rail line, Premier Daniel Andrews said bidders for the project would be required to investigate and cost a proposed third station near Hawkstowe Parade as part of the tender process.
Community consultation sessions last year revealed that most residents wanted to be able to drive to a new station near Hawkstowe Parade.
But limited land for carparking nearby led the state government to choose a site near Marymede Catholic College for the proposed station between Mernda and South Morang.
South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance spokesman Darren Peters said he was pleased Premier Daniel Andrews had listened to the community’s concerns.
“[Mr Andrews] said, ‘When the rail extension opens I want all three stations open’ – and I don’t think he’d say that unless he was serious,” Mr Peters said.
Mr Andrews said a site near the Marymede college was chosen as the first station because of carparking capacity and proximity to schools and jobs. But given such strong support for another station at Hawkstowe Parade, he would incorporate a third station into the tender process.
The new station near Marymede college, close to Gordons Road, will have extensive carparking and bike storage, as well as bus stops. The third station at Hawkstowe Parade is described as being a “potential” in official Mernda rail documents issued by the Level Crossing Removal Authority.
The authority has been charged with delivering the removal project. Upon its completion in 2019, it will include five grade separations, stabling facilities for trains north of Bridge Inn Road and eight kilometres of new dual rail line between South Morang and Mernda.
