Maribyrnong council is pressing ahead with entry works to a car park widely criticised by Footscray residents.
Eleanor Street residents, upset over a lack of consultation, have been rebuffed in their push for access to the new hospital district car park in the council’s old Southampton Street depot to be provided from busier Gordon Street.
They argue the Eleanor Street entrance is a risk to the safety of children at nearby St John’s Primary School, and they want works halted until “appropriate and meaningful consultation” has taken place.
Parking in the hospital precinct has been a long-term sore spot for the council.
Mayor Catherine Cumming said the council was working to alleviate traffic congestion in and around the area.
“Residents have made it clear to us for some time that they don’t appreciate hospital staff and visitors’ vehicles taking free spots in ‘their’ streets.”
She said the council had sought to fix the situation with a pay-as-you-go car park on the old council works centre site.
“We will do our level best to address residents’ concerns one by one, and that’s the reason for the meetings, but clearly access to the car park is essential.”
Western Health executive director of operations Russell Harrison declined to provide details about discussions with the council.
“Western Health is pleased about the redevelopment of parking in the Western Hospital precinct as it will expand parking options for those using and visiting the hospital.”
Western suburbs Greens MP Colleen Hartland has written to both the council and the Western Hospital requesting a return to the proposal for a Gordon Street entrance.
A works schedule has the new entrance being completed by November 1.
