The Victorian government’s $63 million gentrification of Frankston has taken a major step forward, with construction set to begin this month on the suburb’s train station redevelopment.
John Holland and Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) were appointed to lead the project, which will include the addition of new public plazas and walkways. The partnership was awarded a $524 million contract to construct four level crossing removal projects last year.
Coupled with upgrades to the current pedestrian streetscape and subway and bus system, the aim for Frankston train station is to provide what the government refers to as a “modern shopping and transport hub”.
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“We’re removing level crossings, building new and improved stations and delivering better public transport in the south-eastern suburbs and across Victoria,” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.
Genton Architecture was selected after a design competition with 39 firms took place in 2017. Their designs were unveiled last year which showed how they would tackle a new bus interchange, wider footpaths, fresh landscaping and road improvements to reduce congestion
Frankston Station is also part of a $2 billion investment in the Frankston line to improve transport reliability.
On the Frankston line alone, 13 level crossings will be removed and 10 stations built, including those recently opened at Southland, Ormond, McKinnon and Bentleigh.
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Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke said the Frankston community was excited to see a more accessible, inviting area to live, work and visit.
“It will be a true gateway to the peninsula and a place our community can be proud of – something we’ve been looking forward to for over 40 years,” he said.
Works will begin with utility service relocation and technical surveys, followed by major construction and a temporary station closure from mid-year.
Rail replacement buses will transport commuters along the line while the station is demolished and rebuilt.
