METRONET will build the new Midland train station between Helena and Cale streets in Perth’s eastern suburbs to bring it closer to the heart of Midland, Midland Health Campus and the Workshops precinct.
Midland’s current 51-year-old station will be replaced with a new facility as part of the government’s election commitment. It will include three platforms, a new bus interchange, car park, bicycle facilities and a new shared path.
WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “The new Midland Station will make it easier for commuters, local businesses and residents to connect to public transport.
“It will also be simpler to access for the thousands of residents in the wider Swan, Perth Hills and foothills areas who use Midland Station.
“Relocating Midland Station has been high on the wish list of eastern suburbs locals for many years and it is now another step closer to becoming a reality.”
To make way for the new station, the old Helena Street level crossing will be closed and another crossing created at Cale Street which will connect through to Centennial Place.
The growth in freight rail operations and the number of trains travelling to the new station means that if the Helena Street crossing remained open, the boom gates would be down for extensive periods of time.
The crossing planned at Cale Street will have fewer trains operating through it, meaning reduced closure time and improved local connectivity.
Planning will now focus on the finer details of the project, such as station layout and design in preparation for procurement and construction. The business case for the project has been submitted to Infrastructure Australia and the project definition plan will be completed in mid-2020.
Meanwhile, construction will start on the new 12,000sqm railcar manufacturing and assembly facility in Bellevue in the first half of 2020.
Planning will continue for a future rail extension to Bellevue, which would be delivered in the next stage of the government’s METRONET transformation of Perth’s rail network.
Midland MLA, Michelle Roberts, said, “A new Midland train station has been needed for a long time. I’m delighted that the McGowan Government is now making it a reality.
“State of the art facilities, combined with a more central location will help boost train patronage and visitors to local businesses.
“Along with the reintroduction of rail car manufacturing, a specialist training facility at Midland TAFE and a new primary school at Caversham, the McGowan Government is continuing its strong investment in Midland, acknowledging its strategic importance in the eastern corridor of Perth.”
