The Victorian Government will build a new $1.85 billion tram maintenance and stabling facility in Maidstone, in Melbourne’s west, to house 100 new Next Generation Trams – delivering hundreds of jobs in construction.
The facility will be built on a vacant site in Maidstone near Highpoint Shopping Centre, creating around 280 jobs in construction, ongoing maintenance, and the supply chain.
The project will also see a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet servicing communities in this part of Melbourne – reducing the need for new tracks and other infrastructure.
The Victoria Government is continuing to expand its Melbourne tram fleet, with the project in Maidstone set to become the home of the new trams as existing depots reach capacity.
The Next Generation Trams will gradually replace Melbourne’s longest serving high-floor trams, making the public transport network more accessible for all Victorians, with the State Government ordering 50 E-Class trams since 2015.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, said, “We are leading the nation in tram and train manufacturing, and this project will support hundreds of skilled jobs.
“This new facility will play a critical role as we transform Melbourne’s iconic tram network and deliver better and more accessible services for passengers.”
The project team will engage with the local community and businesses before detailed planning begins, and will consider how the development can best celebrate the history of the local area.
The new Next Generation Trams will set the standard for modern public transport and deliver a more comfortable, accessible, and energy-efficient journey for passengers.
The project also includes a minimum local contract quota of 65 per cent, supporting skilled manufacturing jobs.
The contract to design, build and maintain the trams will be awarded in early 2022 following a tender evaluation process, this investment following a record $7.5 billion investment in rolling stock and infrastructure since 2015.
Member for Footscray, Katie Hall, said, “We are transforming the former Victoria University site and supporting local businesses and creating more jobs in our community.”
“This is great news for both residents and visitors to the area, with the project providing a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet to the community.”
To find out more about the project visit www.transport.vic.gov.au/next-gen-trams
