Boronia station: Labor promises $60m upgrade to station if elected

It has come under fire for its “disgusting” lifts and toilets, now Labor is promising to spend $60m upgrading Boronia station if it wins the state election.

Boronia station will get a $60m upgrade if the Labor Party is re-elected.

Boronia station is in line for a massive $60m upgrade if Labor wins the state election.

The Labor Party is promising to “completely revitalise” the station if it is re-elected in November, with a plan to build decking over the rail trench to create new pedestrian and community spaces.

Commuters have previously called for urgent upgrades to the station, with “disgusting” lifts and toilets and not enough carparking topping the list of complaints.

Bayswater state Labor MP Jackson Taylor said the station was perfectly positioned in the centre of the suburb, but the rail trench and below-ground station made it hard for locals to access and get around the station.

He said decking over the southern rail trench would create new open space for the community, as well as better connections to the surrounding shopping strips.

The decking will also create direct pedestrian access from carparking to the Dorset Rd shops, making it easier for locals to get around central Boronia.

The station will also undergo a major overhaul with facade upgrades, improved lighting, CCTV, platform upgrades, and furniture.

Disability access will be improved and the bus interchange will receive new shelters and furniture.

“This is the biggest investment in Boronia in a generation and it’ll be a game changer for our area,” Mr Taylor said on Facebook.

“And it’ll create lots of good local jobs too.

“Works will commence by 2024, and will be complete in 2026.”

Boronia station is underground, making it harder for commuters to access. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen welcomed the election promise.

“It’s good to see this pledge from Labor – although Boronia station is not as old as some on the network, it could certainly do with a revamp,” he said.

“A deck to make use of the space above the station will improve the space for the locals, and better lighting and other upgrades will make it more pleasant for passengers.

“It would also be good to see more trains serving the line – with half-hour waits on weekdays, Boronia and other Belgrave stations have some of the least frequent trains in Melbourne.

“Local buses could also do with a boost to make the station not only pleasant to be around, but also part of a convenient efficient public transport network.”