South Yarra station not ruled out of Metro plan

SOUTH Yarra station may still be built as part of Melbourne Metro rail after the State Government confirmed companies bidding for the project were told not to rule it out.

• Giant Bunnings style shed to cover City Square during Metro rail works

SOUTH Yarra Station may still be built as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel after the State Government confirmed companies bidding to construct the $10.9 billion project were told not to rule it out.

A letter from public transport Minister Jacinta Allan to Greens MP Samantha Dunn, seen by the Herald Sun, has confirmed the station is still in contention.

The letter said the three bidders who had been short-listed to deliver the tunnel had been told “their designs for the project must not preclude the provision of (SouthYarra) station in the future”.

South Yarra Station may still be built as part of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel project. Picture: Rob Leeson.

MELBOURNE’S CITY SQUARE TO SHUT FOR METRO RAIL WORKS

The independent Joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee looking into the project recommended Metro Rail Tunnel planning include an option to build the station in the future, Ms Allan said in the letter.

Despite this she confirmed the business case, Infrastructure Victoria and the environment effects statement had all recommended the South Yarra station should not be included in the initial build.

Greens member for Prahran Sam Hibbins welcomed the letter as an assurance from the State Government that the station would not be precluded.

The Coalition has promised to build South Yarra as part of the project if it won the next state election but Labor remains firm on its stance not to build it.

The bids to build the stations and tunnel are expected to be handed to the Government next month.