Major works on the Andrews Labor Government’s new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone are a step closer to getting underway, with a contract now awarded for its construction.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today announced the contract to deliver the project has been awarded to a construction alliance led by John Holland Group.
The facility, located on the corner of Williamson and Hampstead roads, will be home to the new fleet of modern and accessible Next Generation Trams that will roll out first in the western suburbs from 2025 – and will be used to maintain, clean and store the low-floor trams.
Last month, the Labor Government released designs for the facility to give locals a glimpse of what it will look like once complete.
The designs were informed by community feedback and include modern and sustainable infrastructure, with energy efficient LED lights, recycled plastic materials and rainwater tanks which will harvest 80 megalitres annually to wash the trams.
The Labor Government invested in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to deliver 100 Next Generation Trams, which includes building the new facility to deliver more comfortable, accessible, and energy-efficient journeys for passengers.
Early works are now underway, with crews to spend the next few months preparing the site for major works to begin later this year.
The project will create around 280 local jobs in construction, ongoing maintenance and the supply of materials and services.
It forms part of the Government’s $100 billion investment in transport infrastructure projects, which will provide better, more connected and more accessible services for Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“Our Next Generation Trams will keep passengers moving across Melbourne’s west and now we’re getting on with works to build this new facility in Maidstone – which will keep our modern tram fleet running safely and reliably.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“Residents of Melbourne’s inner west will benefit from next generation, low-floor trams at around the same time as the new Footscray Hospital and Metro Tunnel opens – transforming the way people get around our growing community.”
