‘Waste of taxpayer money’: New Clayton park destroyed to make way for Suburban Rail Loop station

A new park has been torn down and two more rebuilt in Clayton to make way for a Suburban Rail Loop station in what’s been slammed as a “waste of taxpayer money”.

A new park that was built during a level crossing removal in Melbourne’s southeast has been ripped up and relocated to make way for a Suburban Rail Loop station.

The Clayton community space was opened in 2018 as part of the Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project, which created large sections of sky rail along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

But last year the park was demolished because the land was needed to begin early works on the $34.5bn SRL East.

Construction crews are now building two new parks to house the relocated equipment, including one across the road from the previous site, and another which is scheduled to open soon.

The old Clayton Community Space which was demolished in order to make way for the new SRL station. Picture: Victorian Government

The state opposition has slammed the “absurd stuff-up”, while nearby businesses told the Herald Sun they were struggling from the ongoing construction chaos.

The SRL Authority refused to outline the cost of the rebuild but said it was part of the $34.5bn project budget, and that the loop wasn’t announced when the Clayton community space was opened in 2018.

The SRL was announced by former premier Daniel Andrews in the lead-up to the 2018 state election, following a secretive planning process that cut out key bureaucrats and transport experts.

It was unveiled as a 90km circular rail line that connects to Melbourne’s radial rail network, including at Clayton which was designed as a “transport super hub” because it also has regional trains run through.

The $34.5bn first stage of the project, a 26km underground link from Cheltenham to Box Hill, is now underway, with major tunnelling set to begin next year.

The Caulfield to Dandenong sky rail project cost $1.6bn and included nine level crossing removals and the rebuilding of five stations, along with new walking and cycling paths and community parks.

Suburban Rail Loop works have started in Clayton as part of the first stage of construction on the SRL East. Picture: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Opposition major projects spokesman Evan Mulholland said ripping up a new park was an “absurd stuff-up and waste of taxpayer money that has become a hallmark of 10 years of Jacinta Allan”.

“Only in Victoria could a brand new basketball court and playground, barely old enough to scuff a pair of sneakers, be ripped up and relocated for a Suburban Rail Loop that is still unfunded,” he said.

An SRL Authority spokesperson said equipment was being relocated and the end result would be more parks.

“We are delivering two brand new community spaces which are set to open shortly – providing 20 per cent more open space for locals to enjoy including walking tracks and picnic tables and seating,” they said.

“We have worked with Monash City Council to ensure that the relocated equipment, which was installed before SRL was even announced, can continue to be enjoyed in other public spaces for many years to come.”

The SRLA says new spaces will include exercise equipment, picnic tables, and walking tracks, as well as the popular basketball half-court and bicycle repair station that were at the demolished site.

Some of the equipment is “brand new” while equipment from the original site “will be re-used where possible”.

Originally published as ‘Waste of taxpayer money’: New Clayton park destroyed to make way for Suburban Rail Loop station