PREMIER Daniel Andrews visited Frankston last Thursday to confirm his newly elected Labor state government will redevelop Frankston train station and its surrounds in its first term.
Before November’s state election, Mr Andrews had promised to assemble a taskforce to seek community feedback and identify priorities for a $50 million overhaul of the train station (‘Fast track for station upgrade’, The Times 17/11/14).
The Premier announced last week that the taskforce will be headed by Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke and will include Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer, Chisholm TAFE CEO Maria Peters and representatives from Victoria Police, the Frankston Business Network, Public Transport Victoria and the state government.
The taskforce will meet for the first time next month.
Mr Andrews said “a fast-tracked master plan” will include planning for a transport hub, permanent police presence, a new retail strip and multi-level car park.
A commercial hub for businesses and start-ups will be developed in partnership with Chisholm TAFE.
“This is more than a facelift,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’ll make this precinct a safe and modern hub for transport, TAFE and shopping.
“We’ll clean up Young St and bring in new employers, new shops and a permanent police presence.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the Frankston station precinct is “a gateway to Melbourne from the peninsula” so “needs this investment”.
Frankston mayor, Cr Sandra Mayer, said it is “an exciting time” for Frankston.
“This announcement gives us a definite timeframe and framework to work towards – and gives us hope that it will result in shovels in the ground by early 2016.”
Cr Mayer said Frankston “stakeholders” will meet to talk about plans for the precinct on 23 January in preparation for the taskforce’s first meeting in February.
“Our meeting with local businesses and stakeholders will focus on securing strong and united support for council’s long-standing transit interchange plans which have strong backing from the local community.”
The state government has also committed $13 million to fund improvements to Young St and $46.9 million to redevelop Chisholm TAFE.
Mr Edbrooke said the precinct “is in the heart of our community and we’re going to make it a place locals can be proud of.”
First published in the Frankston Times
