Lilydale train station open space design under fire from locals

The level crossing removal project in Lilydale is again under scrutiny, with fears for people with a disability after ramps weren’t included in the design.

The new open space at Lilydale station has come under fire from locals, joining a long list of controversial buildings and spaces across Melbourne.

The Lilydale level crossing removal project is under fire again, after the design for the new station failed to include ramps.

The elevated platforms can only be reached via stairs or lifts, with many residents concerned about what will happen to people with a disability if the lifts break down.

“As someone who has a family member with a disability it’s an absolute joke not to have included ramps,” Michelle Chamberlin said on the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page.

“Not well thought through at all. Hopefully some of our local MPs take this on-board for any future developments.”

“Absolutely no planning in this station at all – the stairs kill my knees and there is no way I would use that claustrophobic little lift,” Kim Dight said.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said ramps from street level to the platforms have the advantage that they can’t break down, but he understood they were not always practical.

“Where they can’t be provided, it’s critical that lifts are reliable and spacious, and that any problems are quickly reported and resolved to ensure passengers who can’t use stairs and escalators don’t get stuck,” he said.

According to the Level Crossing Removal Project, the lifts at the station are built to adhere to accessibility requirements and allow people of all abilities to access the station and platforms. Back-up generators have been installed to ensure the lifts can still operate in the event of any power failures.

It comes after a new public open space under the station has been compared to “a fast food joint from the 80s,” with its orange and yellow colour scheme coming under fire from locals.

And motorists and local traders have also reported traffic banking up for longer along Maroondah Highway after the removal of the crossing, and the introduction of traffic lights in its place.

The space beneath the new Maroondah Highway rail bridge was recently unveiled, following the removal of the Lilydale level crossing.

The Level Crossing Removal Project team have described it as an informal meeting space that fits the heritage and colour of Lilydale’s historic environment.

But locals are not convinced, with more than 300 people commenting on the space on the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page.

“The 70s called and want their colours back,” Michael Levin wrote, while Bev Moore said “it looks like a fast food joint from the 80s”.

“The colour is disgusting. What part of the Yarra Valley says fluoro orange?” Tania McCallum said.

Others raised fears about drug users and unsavoury characters using the open space.

Level Crossing Removal Project program director Steve Brown said community consultation overwhelmingly supported the inclusion of an informal gathering space at the new Lilydale station, with more than 500 pieces of feedback received.

“The open space colours reflect tones of the Coldstream stone used in the station cladding and the red-rusty look of the bridge architectural screening, with three different versions of this colour scheme presented to our Stakeholder Liaison Group, which includes members of the community,” Mr Brown said.

“The final vibrant colour scheme reflects feedback from this group.

“The colourful open space will benefit Lilydale locals for decades to come, providing a place to meet and move through the new station precinct.”

The Lilydale space is not the only design that has left Melburnians scratching their heads over the years. Check out some of most controversial developments.

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