By Laura Michell
Plans for a multi-storey carpark in Broadmeadows are a step closer to being realised, with Hume council and the state government reaching an agreement over the Camp Road loop site.
The council and government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in relation to the loop site, which links Pascoe Vale Road with Camp Road.
The council plans to build a multi-storey carpark on land under the loop road.
The council first proposed to build a multi-storey carpark on the loop site a number of years ago but the plans reached an impasse after VicRoads suggested the council pay $9 million for the site.
Hume council chief executive Domenic Isola said the council was hopeful the MOU would result in the council acquiring the land.
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire said the MOU would unlock land in Hume central and allow the council to push ahead with work to transform the precinct to provide more parking close to the train station.
Under the proposal, motorists wishing to access Johnstone Street from Pascoe Vale Road would do so via Dimboola Road and Pearcedale Parade instead of using the Camp Road loop.
Mayor Carly Moore said the removal of the loop road would result in minimal changes for motorists and pedestrians.
“Travel times and performance should be very similar to existing conditions as the alternative is just 750 metres longer,” she said.
Cr Moore said the proposal was in line with the council’s vision for the Hume central precinct.
“Council wants to transform the remainder of the Hume central site, which has capacity for approximately 24,000 square metres of commercial office, 3400sqm civic and 210 apartments – the result being a significant boost in local jobs during the construction phase and beyond,” she said.
