Maroondah Council blames site complexities for Croydon Town Square delay
CONSTRUCTION has finally begun for Croydon’s new Town Square — but residents will have to wait a little bit longer than expected to enjoy it.
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CONSTRUCTION has kicked off at Croydon’s Town Square — but residents will have to wait a little bit longer to enjoy it.
Seven of the nine Maroondah councillors donned their fluoro vests and shovels for a sod-turning ceremony at the site on August 31.
Contractor 2Construct will build the square, which is designed to offer a better connection between Main St and Croydon train station.
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It will feature pockets of open space for visitors to relax in along with a $100,000 Changing Places all-abilities toilet.
The $2-million project was originally set to be finished by the start of December.
But following the sod-turning event, the council updated the estimated completion date on their website to March 31, 2019.
The Croydon Project spokesman Nathan Hill said he was disappointed the council “haven’t been able to keep to their predicted timeline” for the project.
But he was confident the square would be a great public facility once completed.
“Everyone is keen to see the vast improvement to that area and give it more of a community vibe,” Mr Hill said.
In a statement, Maroondah Mayor Nora Lamont said construction commenced later than expected “due to the complexities involved with authorities such as VicTrack and Metro Trains Melbourne, as well as decommissioning various services.”
She said the council expects to open the square in March, pending weather and any unforeseen circumstances.
Croydon Town Square is the second major project Maroondah Council will fail to deliver on time this year.
As reported by Maroondah Leader last month, the $1.2-million carpark and traffic light upgrades at Heathmont Village have also blown out over their original deadline.
Maroondah Leader understands the works, originally expected to be finished by mid-May, were finally completed late last week.
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