Goya Dmytryshchak
A depot for 100 trams will be built in Maidstone under a $1.85 billion project that will create about 280 jobs.
The facility will be built on a vacant former Victoria University site near Highpoint Shopping Centre, as existing depots reach capacity.
It was considered an ideal spot by the Department of Transport, as it is large, vacant and close to the tram network.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said Victoria was leading Australia in tram and train manufacturing.
“This project will support hundreds of skilled jobs,” he said.
“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.”
The depot will house 100 new next generation trams, which will replace Melbourne’s oldest high-floor trams.
The project to expand Melbourne’s modern tram fleet includes a minimum local contract quota of 65 per cent, supporting skilled manufacturing jobs.
Jobs will be created during construction, in ongoing maintenance and along the supply chain.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said it was a boost for the local economy.
“We are transforming the former Victoria University site and supporting local businesses and creating more jobs in our community,” she said.
“This is great news for both residents and visitors to the area, with the project providing a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet to the community.”
Local residents and traders will be consulted before detailed planning starts.
Plans will look at how the development can celebrate the history of the local area.
The site was most recently used as student accommodation until 2015, and previously for accommodation for post-war migrants and refugees and a pyrotechnics factory.
The contract to design, build and maintain the trams will be awarded early next year.
Community members can have their say until October 17 at engage.vic.gov.au/maidstone
