Oakes Rd Carlingford carpark plans shelved
Plans for a multi-deck carpark near a Carlingford bus interchange have stalled.
Parramatta
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Long-suffering Carlingford commuters are being forced to wait longer for parking solutions because the State Government could renege on plans for a 250-space multi-deck carpark at Oakes Rd near the bus interchange.
The Parramatta Advertiser understands Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP David Elliott were recently informed about plans to shelve the acquisition for four houses where the carpark would be built.
It is understood a rule prevents property acquisition for carparks despite it being permissible for roads.
But a Transport for NSW spokeswoman denied this and said all its acquisitions were consistent with the requirements of the Transport Administration Act and the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act.
“There is no provision in that Act preventing the acquisition of properties for a commuter carpark,’’ she said.
The spokeswoman said Transport for NSW was investigating options for extra commuter parking to service M2 customers but indicated it was not a priority since the Metro started.
“With Sydney Metro northwest now operational, overall patronage on bus services utilising the M2 motorway has decreased by around 35 per cent,’’ she said.
Plans for a carpark at the site been discussed since 2015 when the then Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian announced $150 million to boost commuter parking at bus interchanges across northwest Sydney, including up to 275 spaces near Oakes Rd.
Before Carlingford fell under Parramatta Council in 2016, the Hills Shire Council had planned to buy the site and turn it into a commuter carpark.
Mr Elliott’s office redirected questions to Transport for NSW.
The bus depot at the corner of Oakes and Murray Farms roads is privately owned and was being considered for a multi-deck parking that would require minimal ground work.
CBRE listed the 7059sq m property for sale in 2016 but Parramatta Council is now considering a development application for a four-storey seniors living development.
Nearby at Carlingford, work on a 23-space carpark at Carmen Drive Reserve will start on Friday and is due for completion in 12 weeks.
The works will coincide with the upgrade of the reserve’s playground, shops and amenities block.
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