Walkway to link Parkville station links to University of Melbourne under Melbourne Metro Project

TWO big walkways will link a new underground station at Parkville to the University of Melbourne as part of the Melbourne Metro Project.

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TWO big walkways will link a new underground station at Parkville to the University of Melbourne as part of the Melbourne Metro Project.

The $11 billion project will carve two 9km tunnels underneath the city and five new stations will be built at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.

In a major selling point for international students, Melbourne University will have two entrances/exits to the new station located in Royal Parade and Grattan St.

A third entrance/exit at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will service the medical precinct.

Melbourne Metro Rail Authority CEO Evan Tattersall said more than 50,000 students used public transport.

“You’ve got a massive health precinct nearby, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, you’ve got the Royal Melbourne, the Royal Women’s, the Peter Doherty Institute — massive plans for development up here,” he said.

“We’re putting a station under Grattan St, right in the heart of this precinct.

“Melbourne Uni is actually in the centre of it, so they can’t wait until we get this station up and running.”

Melbourne Metro Rail Authority CEO Evan Tattersall says Parkville station will be a key hub. Picture: Mark Wilson

PwC partner John Marinopoulos said new train stations were great examples of value creation. “They provide rail access to people in surrounding suburbs as well as Melbourne University students and staff,” he said.

“Property prices tend to increase when there is new public transport infrastructure and we often see an increase in the value of commercial buildings.

“Melbourne Metro Rail also creates value for Melbourne University by increasing accessibility to a wider pool of students, enhancing its ability to operate as a 24/7 campus, and connect major commercial businesses to its research units.

“For Melbourne University, the direct access to its campus from Parkville station allows it to be connected immediately to the wider Melbourne rail network and key regional cities, without needing to shift to different modes of transport.”

University of Melbourne spokeswoman Nicola Webber said the institution was one of the engine rooms of the inner-north economy.

When complete in 2026, Parkville station is expected to provide access to about 45,000 jobs, 14,000 residents and 70,000 tertiary students within 800m of its location.

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