UPDATE: November 2017

Construction works have now been completed and 101 extra car spaces have been added to Watsonia Station!

25 August 2016

Local commuters will benefit from up to 100 extra car parking spaces at Watsonia station, easing pressure and making it easier to find a park. Watsonia station currently has capacity for 464 vehicles, but is often full before the end of the morning peak period.

Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks today said the additional parks will boost the station’s capacity to accommodate a total of up to 564 vehicles.

The installation of new lighting, CCTV footage and signage will improve safety and access to the station. The new parking spaces will be created in previously vacant leased land.

The extension is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million investment to create more than 1500 commuter car park spaces at 16 busy train stations across the outer suburbs and regional Victoria. VicTrack are currently managing a tender calling for qualified construction firms to deliver the works.

The project will unlock land at stations to provide thousands of new sealed car parking spaces free of charge. Increasing parking capacity at stations like Watsonia, will also help to reduce traffic congestion on local streets by encouraging more commuters to use public transport.

Site planning and detailed design works at each station will begin this year to prepare the sites for construction to commence in early 2017. All construction works are expected to be completed by October 2017.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks

“I know from experience, it’s often a struggle to find a park at Watsonia — which is why we’re creating up to a hundred new car parking spaces.”

“These spaces will help people access the trains they rely on every day to get to work, school and back home.”

“We want to make it easier for people to park, encourage more people to catch public transport, and ease congestion on our local roads.”