Why won’t you fix up our railway station? Locals, council want action to upgrade railway station

RESIDENTS in Adelaide’s south east are stepping up their fight to have a local railway station upgraded, describing the public facility as a “wasteland”. A local councillor is spearheading the campaign.

Cr Nick Greer pictured at Mitcham train station, for which he is urging the State Government to update. picture: Bianca De Marchi

THE State Government needs to commit to a plan to upgrade the Mitcham Railway Station because it is a “wasteland” and could be better used, Mitcham Council and a community group say.

The council will write to Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan about how it can work with the State Government to develop a plan to revamp the tired site.

The council owns the land between the railway station and Belair Rd, while the government owns the land west of the station to Verco Ave.

Cr Nick Greer, who pushed for the council to approach Mr Mullighan, said an upgrade was long overdue.

He would like the plan to include more pedestrian and cycling routes, better security, finding ways to reuse vacant heritage buildings, a park ‘n’ ride and a link between Mitcham’s centre and the station, as suggested in the government’s Draft Southern Adelaide Corridor Directions Paper.

“It’s just wasteland and an eyesore which is crying out for improvement,” Cr Greer said.

“There is a need for a park ‘n’ ride and there is scope for improvement or expansion of the garden area.

“Adaptively reusing a number of (heritage-listed) buildings could be looked at for the community to use.

“What we are saying is Mitcham Council is willing to work with the State Government and the ball is now in their court if they want to work with us.”

Blackwood/Belair District Community Association member Heather Beckmann said a park ‘n’ ride should be a priority in light of a future tram line proposed for Unley/Belair Rd.

“If they put a tram line up to Mitcham Square (shopping centre) there will be so much congestion on Unley Rd because it is narrow and more people are more likely to use public transport … so there needs to be somewhere to park,” Ms Beckmann said.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said he looked forward to receiving the council’s letter and considering its proposal.

The council voted in September to find ways to reuse vacant local heritage-listed places, including buildings at Mitcham Railway Station.