Frankston station: mixed reaction from commuters, traders
FRANKSTON’S new $50 million railway station has divided public opinion. Like it or loathe it, here’s a sneak peek of the new precinct.
South East
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FRANKSTON’S new $50 million train station is finally finished — but not everyone is on board with the design.
As the finishing touches were being put on the new building last week, commuters, shoppers and traders surveyed by the Leader praised and condemned the striking new structure.
Some dubbed it “sensational”, saying it was a massive improvement on the “scary” previous station, which had often come under fire as unsafe.
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During public forums ahead of the rebuild, residents and traders said it added to perceptions the whole precinct was dangerous.
Commuter Ashleigh Wright said the new station was “much cleaner” and would “attract less undesirables”.
And Garry Thomas said it was “sensational”.
“To me, it’s the best thing. It will attract more people to Frankston,” he said.
“People will want to come here and when they get off (at the station) there’s the ‘wow’ factor.”
Others criticised the new design as too modern, saying it failed to reflect Frankston’s rich heritage and history.
Anthony, who didn’t want his surname printed, said the new station had too many blank walls.
“Anything in Frankston that had history is gone … you are looking at the grey brick wall mentality,” he said.
“It could be anywhere — it could be Altona.”
And Brett also complained the station failed to capture Frankston’s history.
“They should have kept some of the heritage rather than going all new,” he said.
Long suffering traders told the Leader they were relieved work was finally drawing to a close.
Trader Natalie Waterworth said business operators in the CBD had struggled financially due to repeated disruptions caused by multiple major projects, including the $13 million revamp of Young St and the new train station.
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Frankston state MP Paul Edbrooke said the new station provided an iconic gateway to Frankston and the Peninsula.
“Our community told me what they wanted for Frankston’s future and the Andrews State Government continues to deliver on each and every commitment,” he said.
The new station will be officially opened with food trucks, entertainment and kids activities in the new forecourt, on Saturday October 6 from 5.30-8pm.
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