A new tram maintenance and stabling facility is going to be built in Maidstone as well as 280 jobs in construction, ongoing maintenance and the supply chain will be supported through the Victorian Government’s $1.85 billion Next Generation Tram project.
The new facility is going to be built on a vacant site in Maidstone – near the Highpoint Shopping Centre – and it will be housing 100 new Next Generation Trams. In addition, the project will also deliver a more reliable, accessible and modern tram fleet to service the communities in this part of Melbourne, reducing the need for new tracks as well as other infrastructure.
“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,” Member for Footscray Katie Hall said.
Prior to the beginning of the detailed planning process, the project team will be engaging with the local community and businesses to collect feedback for the best solution to preserve the history of the local area.
Have your say or get more information on the project here.
Suppliers interested in getting involved with the delivery of the Next Generation Tram project can register their interests through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) website here.
The new Next Generation Trams project will set the standard for modern public transport while delivering a more comfortable, accessible as well as energy-efficient commute.
The more than one-billion-dollar project will also include a minimum local contract quota of 65 per cent, providing opportunities for skilled manufacturing jobs.
“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,” Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said.
The contract to design, construct and maintain the trams is expected to be awarded in early 2022.
With this project, the State Government is continuing to support the rolling stock and infrastructure in Victoria.
The new trams, along with the Victorian Government’s orders of 50 E-Class trams since 2015, are set to gradually replace Melbourne’s “longest serving” high-floor trams to make the public transport network more accessible for Victorians.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria State Government – Department of Transport (1, 2)