Hume/Moreland Leader | By Kate Swan

30th March 2011

A planned redevelopment of the Broadmeadows Railway Station precinct will not go ahead after failing to attract developers’ interest.

VicTrack hailed the development opportunity as the chance to help change the face of Broadmeadows and make it a vibrant place to work, shop, meet people and do business.

It was designed to complement a future upgrade of the station including a new entrance, footbridge and bus interchange that was allocated $30 million by the former Labor State Government. But with no developers interested, the station upgrade is under a cloud.

What is clear is that, for now, the station precinct will remain as it is — declared a problem area by Broadmeadows police for attracting vandals and criminals and an ugly blight on the Central Activities District.

VicTrack sought expressions of interest to develop its parcel of land bounded by Pascoe Vale Rd, the rail line and the Camp Rd overpass. It includes the 1100 Pascoe Vale Rd strata-titled commercial buildings, carparks on either side of the building, the station entrance, freight building and facilities to the west of the rail line.

The sign seeking expressions of interest is still on display on the building. VicTrack spokeswoman Carolyn Wray told the Leader no submissions were received, showing no interest in the market for developing the land. “We remain open to development occurring on this land but as far as we are concerned, the process is now complete,” Ms Wray said. Hume Council chief executive Domenic Isola said developers could be sitting back and waiting to see the progress in the rest of the suburb.

Department of Transport spokeswoman Julie McNamara said the State Government and Hume Council were preparing a draft structure plan for the Broadmeadows Central Activities District, which will guide future development and transport improvements, including the Broadmeadows Station precinct. She said they were considering budget matters and how to attract developers to invest in the precinct.

Broadmeadows Labor MP Frank McGuire said he was concerned the Baillieu government may abandon the important redevelopment. He will write to public transport minister Terry Mulder to seek an urgent briefing.

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