Chapel St Jam Factory should get railway station as part of South Yarra public transport overhaul, say traders

A NEW railway station should be built next to a shopping centre in Melbourne’s east, as part of a public transport overhaul that locals say is urgently needed for the booming precinct.

SOUTH Yarra traders want a new railway station built in Chapel St’s Jam Factory, as part of a major public transport overhaul they say is urgently needed for the booming precinct.

With global tech giants Google and Netflix set to move to the Jam Factory after its imminent $500 million overhaul, traders say the State Government must act now.

Leader revealed last week the internet goliaths were being wooed to Chapel St by Jam Factory owners Newmark Capital.

But the Chapel Street Precinct Association’s John Lotton said public transport was “already struggling to cope”.

He said options to be considered should include “a new station next to the Jam Factory to service the substantial increase in demand.”

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He said the massive Jam Factory overhaul will bring “an even greater influx of people” to South Yarra.

“Newmark is trying to lure two major international companies to be the first tenants at the new Jam Factory,” he said. “But if there isn’t a proper upgrade of South Yarra station or a serious in investment in public transport then we won’t get them.”

Mr Lotton also took aim at the State Government’s $12 million plan to upgrade South Yarra station in nearby Toorak Rd.

“(It) applies a feather duster to a major job,” Mr Lotton said.

“The minor refurbishment planned is not close enough to addressing the needs of local commuters.”

Commuters crowd on to a Toorak Rd tram outside congested South Yarra station on May 10. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Last month, the State Government announced it will direct $12.33 million from the 2018/19 Budget for a wider entrance at South Yarra Station and better tram stops.

It forecast the Metro Tunnel, when complete, will free up space in the City Loop to run more trains, which means an additional 72,000 peak passengers on the Sandringham line every week.

The Government said it will consult with Stonnington Council, local businesses and residents about design and develop and the long-term development options at South Yarra.

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