Melbourne’s eastern corridor will undergo a significant transformation as the state unveils plans for a major upgrade of the Boronia Station precinct.
The project will create a new transport and community hub connecting the station with the Dorset Road shopping precinct through a landscaped plaza.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion targeted in 2026.
The redevelopment includes significant infrastructure improvements, such as a widened station concourse, relocated ticket office and Protective Services facilities, and enhanced platform amenities.
The new plaza will feature integrated seating, lighting, and landscaping, complemented by a pedestrian crossing across Dorset Road.
Located 36km east of the Melbourne CBD in the City of Knox, the project’s scope includes surrounding road networks, commuter parking areas, and privately and council-owned land parcels.
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The plan comes after recently completed infrastructure works in Melbourne’s east, including the removal of level crossings on the Lilydale Line and the elimination of boom gates between Ferntree Gully and the city on the Belgrave Line.
Community consultation on the concept designs opened on November 15 and end December 15.
The upgrade forms part of the Victorian Government’s broader transport infrastructure program, which includes the removal of 110 level crossings by 2030 and the creation of boomgate-free corridors on major metropolitan lines.
The project aims for improved infrastructure and connectivity in Melbourne’s eastern growth corridor, and the enhanced station precinct is designed to support increased housing density and commercial development in the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, Inland Rail has unveiled designs for the Euroa railway station precinct.
Research by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) shows the number of city-dwellers looking to move to regional areas has doubled over the past 18 months, demonstrating an urgent need for solutions to regional pressure points.
According to government data, Euroa station services around 6900 passengers each year. Data from Informed Decisions shows the Strathbogie Shire, in which Euroa is located, has a population of about 12,000 and experiences annual growth of around .55 per cent. Around 4500 people live at Euroa.
The new station design features a modern railway precinct surrounded by landscaped gardens and open spaces, with enhanced parking and improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity.
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Station modifications include a new accessible railway platform, an additional pedestrian underpass with lifts, ramps and stairs, and an open forecourt area for community use.
Inland Rail delivery director Ed Walker highlighted the project’s community-focused approach.
“It’s clear the Euroa community is passionate about how Inland Rail is delivered and their vision for the project is reflected in the latest design of the railway station precinct,” Walker said.
“The new designs transform the Euroa railway station precinct into an open, accessible and welcoming community asset.”
The project will incorporate a new Anderson Street vehicle underpass, designed to connect with existing roads and integrate with the station precinct.
An independent assessment found the existing goods shed will need to be removed, not only because it conflicts with the new station design, but also due to structural safety concerns, including severe building deterioration and hazardous material risks.
Inland Rail and construction partner John Holland will undertake community consultation, inviting feedback on landscaping, urban design finishes, colour palettes and heritage interpretation options until December 15.
The Euroa Concept Plan, required by the Minister for Planning, will also be available for written submissions during this period.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year.
Upgrades to the Narabri-Turrawan freight line were completed this month, ahead of what many are predicting will be a “bumper” grain harvest.
The $47-million upgrade included civil works and switching degraded wooden sleepers for concrete sleepers along 35km of line. This will enable trains to carry heavier loads of up to 25 tonnes per axle at up to 80km an hour.
