Plans for a new tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone have been released.
The facility will be located on the corner of Williamson and Hampstead roads in Maidstone.
It will be used to maintain , clean and store the low-floor trams, as well as house tram operations and administration staff.
The designs for the new fleet of next-generation trams have been informed by community feedback.
The trams 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 trams have maximised space allowing room for up to 150 passengers all while using around 30-40 per cent less energy per passenger, compared to an E Class tram.
Paying homage to Maidstone’s history, the designs for the administration and maintenance building include a saw-tooth roof design which is an acknowledgement of the industrial past of the area.
Early works are now underway, with crews to spend the next few months preparing the site for major construction to begin later this year.
The project will create around 280 local jobs in construction, ongoing maintenance and the supply of materials and services.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said the new facility in Maidstone will first benefit the locals helping with the build.
“It’s great to see early works are now underway on this new energy-efficient tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone – which means passengers in the west will be the first to benefit from our Next Generation trams once complete”, she said.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback as part of the project’s heritage permit by visiting heritage.vic.gov.au.
The facility is scheduled to open in 2026.
Jennifer Pittorino
