First homes to be taken for Suburban Rail Loop late next year, residents told
Hundreds of property owners in the path of the multi-billion dollar Suburban Rail Loop have been told to start packing their bags.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The first of up to 300 home and business owners forced to make way for the multi-billion dollar Suburban Rail Loop could be packing their bags by the end of next year.
Letters sent to the affected property owners — about half of which are homes — last month say they are now “likely” to be bought out to make way for Stage One of the underground rail line from Cheltenham to Box Hill.
“While different properties will be required at various stages of the project, we expect that the first compulsorily acquired properties required for Stage One will not need to be vacated until at least late 2022,” a letter to residents and business owners say.
The government has confirmed the acquisitions process will start late next year after planning and environmental approvals, but that most families won’t be kicked out for a further two years.
The Herald Sun can also reveal that half of the homeowners set to be acquired for the mostly-underground project live in one apartment block in Box Hill.
Other areas impacted include five other station precincts at Cheltenham, Clayton, the Monash University Precinct and Burwood, as well as around a proposed stabling yard at Heatherton.
Information packs sent to affected owners outline the buyout process, including that market rates will be paid, plus stamp duty and conveyancing for new homes or commercial buildings, and the potential for up to 10 per cent compensation for “non-financial disadvantage”.
Property owners in the path of the project have previously told the Herald Sun they did not want to move but accepted that the SRL would enhance public transport.
Carlo Corallo, who is building 13 townhouses across two blocks his family has owned for generations, said in February it would “break my heart” if the under-construction homes were demolished.
The SRL acquisition process is further complicated by local planning matters, including next to Glen Waverley Station where a car park that has been earmarked for the Loop is also the subject of multiple proposals by Monash City Council.
The council last week deferred a commitment to build a multi-rise car park on the site, partly supported with funds from local traders, while awaiting final confirmation it will be demolished for the SRL.
The area has also been earmarked as part of the council’s Glen Waverley Activity Centre.
A local church opposite the car park is also concerned about its future.
A government spokeswoman said the 26km train tunnel and six new stations for Stage One were primarily underground but “some disruption and property acquisition is unavoidable for a project the size and complexity of Suburban Rail Loop”.
“Suburban Rail Loop will open up Melbourne’s middle suburbs, making it quicker and more convenient for all Victorians to access our fastest growing employment, health, education and retail centres,” she said.
The government says the final number of properties required “will be determined after the planning and approval processes are complete”.
‘We adored her’: tributes for Melb model killed in crash at rave
The 24-year-old woman killed when she was struck by a car at a gathering in Kooyong on Sunday has been identified as “bubbly, bright” Clifton Hill model Elise Hodder, with tributes flowing.
Decision looms on whether brakes stay on F1 Grand Prix fan tradition
Fan traditions at the Melbourne Grand Prix that were banned last year amid safety and security fears may be flagged to start-up again next year, with the outcome of talks to be revealed shortly.