PARTS of Ballarat Railway Station will undergo a spit and polish over the next month in a $700,000 refurbishment.
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However, there is still no word on when the state government’s “fast-tracked” redevelopment of the whole precinct will begin.
Premier Daniel Andrews said in January work would hopefully begin before the end of 2015 on the old railway shed and surrounding area.
Next month’s work will result in platform one being resurfaced, lighting improved and the waiting room refurbished.
Wendouree MP Sharon Knight said the revamp would make life easier for commuters.
“This investment will make Ballarat station safer and more accessible,” she said.
“The works will be finished in just over a month and will complement the Andrews Labor government’s $25 million redevelopment of the Ballarat station precinct.”
The precinct will include a new convention centre and revamped commuter parking.
During his January visit to the railway station, Mr Andrews announced the quick go-ahead of the work Labor had promised during the election campaign.
He did, however, put a caveat on its speedy start.
“The important thing is getting the sequencing right. The $25 million we have pledged to spend and invest in is helping to clear the site and deal with safety and asbestos issues and getting this site and this precinct ready for a partnership between the public and private sector,” he said.
The imminent work will not disrupt commuters, according to a V/Line spokeswoman, because it will mainly be carried out at night.
The waiting room work will specifically be painting and a new public address system, while the outside improvement will result in platform one ripped up and its asphalt and tactile markers replaced.
Funding for the project is in addition to the $25 million for the station precinct, which was cemented in this month’s state budget.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au