Major transformation of Young St in central Frankston starts in earnest
THE transformation of Young St begins in earnest this week to deliver improved landscaping, wider footpaths, new bus bays and an open green space.
South East
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THE transformation of Young St begins in earnest this week to deliver improved landscaping, wider footpaths, new bus bays and an open green space for relaxation.
After decades of promises by successive governments the $13 million upgrade is part of a $63 million redevelopment of Frankston’s transit precinct.
However, commuters, motorists, shoppers and traders will face major disruptions before the works are completed next May.
Bus zones and taxi ranks outside the station have been relocated for the duration of the works, long-term parking in a nearby car park will be converted to short term and traders are bracing for a downturn in customers in the all-important lead up to Christmas.
Natalie Waterworth, who runs Eliza Doolittle boutique, said she was excited by the revamp but feared for her shop in the interim.
“I can’t sleep at night — I am worried about the impact on the business,” Ms Waterworth said.
Like many other traders who spoke to Leader, she was concerned there would be a repeat of last year’s Wells St revamp, which was marked by delays, resulting in a major downturn in trade.
Cafe Buenta owner Con Markopoulos said he wanted more information on the project.
“Specifically when they will be working out the front of my business — I haven’t been given that information yet,’’ he said.
State Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said the government had gone to great lengths to minimise the impacts on businesses.
“Each business has been approached to ensure that, where possible, their requirements during construction are met,” he said.
“We have offered free business training, which has been utilised by Young St businesses and we will continue to provide these services to ensure the redevelopment impacts on business as little as possible.”
Details on changes to transport can be found at vicroads.vic.gov.au
Features
*A landscaped boulevard along Young St between Wells St and Beach St
* Wider footpaths
*12 new bus bays with real-time passenger information displays
* More lighting and CCTV
* A green space near Wells St.
Interim Changes
* Bus routes 770, 771, 773, 776, 788, 832, 833, 887, 901 and 970 will now operate from Beach St.
* Bus routes 789, 790 and 791 will operate from Fletcher Rd
* Bus routes 772, 774, 775, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784 and 785 will operate from Young St, near the corner of Playne St.
* Taxi ranks are at the new Beach and Young streets bus stops.
* The all-day car park at 122-124 Young St will become short term parking, replacing the short term car parks lost in Young St. Those needing all day parking are advised to look elsewhere, such as Frankston Arts Centre.