An immersed tube has been proposed for a tram link to the Fishermans Bend redevelopment

LORD Mayor Sally Capp will meet with supporters of an underwater tram connection to the Fishermans Bend ­redevelopment.

LORD Mayor Sally Capp will meet with supporters of an underwater tram connection to the Fishermans Bend ­redevelopment.

Yarra’s Edge resident Keith Sutherland said the immersed tube was a cheaper and better option than proposals before the state government for a tram bridge across the Yarra River.

Former lord mayor Robert Doyle had opposed a bridge route from Collins St in ­Docklands that would disrupt the Yarra’s Edge Marina on the other side of the river.

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Artist’s render of Plummer St under the proposed Fishermans Bend redevelopment.

Cr Capp on Tuesday gave no preference, but said the City of Melbourne recognised the ­importance of new public transport links into Fishermans Bend.

“Given the volume of ­transit that we’re expecting … we’re supportive of all ideas and welcome creativity on public transport alternatives for Fishermans Bend,” she said.

Cr Capp said she was ­looking forward to meeting Mr Sutherland about his ­immersed tube idea.

An Andrews Government spokeswoman would not ­comment specifically on the concept, but said the state ­Budget included $1 million for the next stage of Fishermans Bend ­public transport planning.

“Transport for Victoria has undertaken the initial stages of planning work to determine possible public transport ­connections into Fishermans Bend,” she said.

Some Docklands residents are backing the option of an immersed tube instead of a bridge which they fear will ruin the Yarra’s Edge Marina and drive down property prices.

TV star and local Sam Newman is among those campaigning against a bridge that would link the Collins St tram in Victoria Harbour to the emerging urban development precinct in Port Melbourne and South Melbourne.

The immersed tube would be sunk near the Bolte Bridge and connect to the 86 and 70 tram routes running to Docklands Drive via Ron Barassi Snr Park.

It would also carry freight trams and bicycles eliminating the need for separate freight and cycling links across the Yarra.

Web version of print map 600px by 300px

Fishermans Bend redevelopment area.

Mr Sutherland said the $350 million tube would be much cheaper than a bridge once land acquisitions and other costs were factored in.

He said the tube could be linked to a tunnel going under Lorimer St, instead of having a level crossing there under the tram bridge option.

“It’s a worry because you’ll have a tram crossing there every few minutes affecting local businesses and residents,” he said.

“It defies logic by the Andrews Government to spend all that port sale money on getting rid of level crossings, and you go and put a new one in.”

Mr Sutherland said the tube route would boost the shopping and entertainment precinct at NewQuay and connect to the urban renewal area in the city’s north via the underused La Trobe St tram.

Mr Sutherland has discussed the idea with government and shadow ministers, Port Phillip Council.

Tube technology — which involves sections built off site, floated in position and then sunk — has been used for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and in cities like Istanbul.

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