A new tram maintenance and stabling facility is to be built in Melbourne’s west to house 100 new Next Generation Trams.
Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll said the Next Generation Trams would set the standard for modern public transport and deliver a more comfortable, accessible and energy-efficient journey for passengers.
“This new facility will play a critical role as we transform Melbourne’s iconic tram network and deliver better and more accessible services for passengers,” Mr Carroll said.
“The project will also see a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet servicing communities in this part of Melbourne – reducing the need for new tracks and other infrastructure,” he said.
“The project team will engage with the local community and businesses before detailed planning begins, and will consider how the development can best celebrate the history of the local area.”
Mr Carroll said the new trams would gradually replace Melbourne’s longest serving high-floor trams and would make the public transport network more accessible for all Victorians.
The Minister said the facility would be built on a vacant site in Maidstone near Highpoint Shopping Centre and create around 280 jobs in construction, ongoing maintenance and the supply chain.
“The contract to design, build and maintain the trams will be awarded in early 2022 following a tender evaluation process,” Mr Carroll said.
