Property owners pushing for a tunnel beneath the Maribyrnong River say three new bridges to be built as part of the Western Distributor will destroy the chance to reinvent Footscray’s waterfront precinct.
The $5.5 billion freeway connecting the West Gate Freeway with the CBD and CityLink will include three bridge crossings that pass just metres from commercial properties including the Docklands Cotton Mills and the Dream Factory, located in the former Lonely Planet building.
Simon Kemp, a property owner and business operator in the former cotton mills, says noise, vibration and air pollution from the freeway will destroy the value of adjoining properties and the amenity of the area.
He said a freeway running so close to the former mill threatens the riverside precinct’s growing reputation as a magnet for small start-ups and creative industries.
“It’s going to be absolutely hideous, we’re going to be covered in diesel soot 24 hours a day and there is all the noise it will cause,” he said.
“I don’t think people on Yarraville and Footscray’s eastern edge have any idea how it’s going to affect them.”
Detailed designs for the route show the northern portal of a tunnel beneath Yarraville will emerge west of the Maribyrnong River before crossing the river via three bridges, to enable access to the port and beyond.
Mr Kemp said the current route fails to consider the potential of the area as a magnet for investment, creativity and leisure.
“I think the worst thing is the impact it is going to have on the west bank of the Maribyrnong, I can see a city being built down there one day,” Mr Kemp said.
“Everyone who has built a freeway along a river bank has regretted it.”
Mr Kemp said the raised freeway that will run above Footscray Road towards the city would cause an outcry if it was proposed anywhere else in Melbourne.
He also questioned how a tunnel could be built under Sydney Harbour yet not under the Maribyrnong River.
Western suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland said she was concerned three flyover roads over the river would impact on amenity and the “incredible views of the city”.
“The walking and cycling track along the river today is really pleasant. With three massive freeway flyovers this will no doubt be ruined.”
Project proponent Transurban argues a tunnel beneath the river would be too difficult and expensive to construct.
The state government did not directly address questions regarding whether a tunnel beneath the river may still be up for considered.
A spokesman for Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the Western Distributor design will continue to change to reflect feedback from the community.
“The government has committed to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) which will thoroughly investigate key issues for the community, including air quality, noise, visual amenity, traffic, social and environmental impacts,” he said.
“There will continue to be many opportunities for the community to have their say, including through the public exhibition of the EES in early 2017.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill is urging people to have their say on the project.
“The key concerns of our community relate to potential land acquisitions, impacts on sporting facilities, bike paths, excess noise, air pollution, traffic volumes and general residential amenity,” he said.
“Now that more information is available, Council will be considering the designs in their full detail before formalising our position on the best outcome for the Hobsons Bay community.”
