· Works begin on $66 million Ringwood Station project, creating 100 construction jobs
· Upgrade to create a safer, more accessible transport hub
· Napthine Government investing in better public transport

Construction work to transform Ringwood Station and bus interchange into a showcase twenty-first century transport hub started today with demolition of disused shops in Railway Place.

Premier Denis Napthine, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder, Member for Mitcham and Liberal candidate for Ringwood Dee Ryall and Minister for the Environment and Member for Warrandyte Ryan Smith were on hand to officially launch the start of works.

Dr Napthine said the $66 million project would deliver a modern and accessible station for the community to use and enjoy.

“I’m thrilled to be here today to mark the start of works on this vital project for Ringwood that will create 100 construction jobs and boost Ringwood’s employment and economic development for years to come,” Dr Napthine said.

“The upgrade will create a safer, more accessible and attractive place for people to live, work and visit.

“This is a key initiative in the Victorian Coalition Government’s record
$24 billion investment in better transport infrastructure to move more people more often.

“This project has activated the $500 million expansion of the Eastland shopping centre, which is creating 1,600 construction jobs and, upon completion, will deliver 1,700 ongoing retail jobs.”

Dr Napthine said once the station upgrade and redevelopment of Eastland were complete, central Ringwood will have been transformed into a thriving local hub, providing better public transport links with new retail and employment opportunities.

Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said Ringwood Station is set to be a showcase for how stations should be modernised and made more accessible to everyone in the community.

“Access to the platforms will be provided through a combination of ramps, stairs, lifts and escalators to ensure emergency access is available at all times,” Mr Mulder said.

The new pedestrian concourse will provide 24-hour access over the railway line and link the bus interchange and station forecourt to the Station Street car park.

Ms Ryall said it was sure to be a fantastic project for the 7,000 people a day who will use the station and bus interchange.

“Better connections between trains and buses, better weather protection, real time travel information and many other features will make it a great transport hub and a great destination for workers, students, shoppers and families,” Ms Ryall said.

“The Maroondah Highway will be transformed into a ‘boulevard’ providing new bicycle lanes and pedestrian priority to improve connectivity between Ringwood Station and the new town square at Eastland.

“To relieve pressure on local streets and minimise impacts on residents,
42 new customer car parks have recently been completed in Thanet Court.”

Ms Ryall said that Ringwood commuters would also benefit from 1 January 2015, with Zone 1 + 2 travel for the price of a Zone 1 fare and free tram travel in the CBD and Docklands.

Mr Smith said Labor’s proposed upgrade of the station would have been a disaster and destroyed the Clocktower park.

“Unlike Labor, we have protected the park and designed the station properly, based on comprehensive consultation with the community and many other stakeholders,” Mr Smith said.

“In particular, the Napthine Government has been working closely with Maroondah City Council and the owner of Eastland Shopping Centre, Queensland Investment Corporation, to maximise the value the project will deliver to the Ringwood community.

“There will be additional CCTV cameras and lighting as well as new customer amenities and station facilities, which are fully accessible.”

The project is expected to be complete in early 2016 and includes:

· a major upgrade of Ringwood Station to provide full accessibility and improve amenity and shelter;
· a pedestrian concourse providing 24-hour access over the railway line;
· stairs, ramps, lifts and an escalator to provide access to the platforms and concourse;
· preservation of the heritage-listed station buildings with upgrades to allow continued use;
· reconstruction and expansion of the bus interchange;
· new toilet facilities and waiting rooms;
· creation of a landscaped station forecourt;
· improved safety with additional lighting and CCTV;
· a new signalised pedestrian crossing of Maroondah Highway, with more frequent crossing opportunities;
· vastly improved pedestrian and cycling facilities along the Maroondah Highway and Station Street; and
· improvements to the road environment to create a ‘boulevard’ between Ringwood Street and Warrandyte Road.

The majority of the shops will be demolished in coming weeks to allow for works on the new bus interchange to begin. Four shops will be used for the site office then demolished at the completion of the project.

The project is being delivered by VicRoads and contractor John Holland on behalf of Public Transport Victoria.