Tram plan rolls on

COMMUNITY members are being encouraged to share their thoughts on the final concept design for the multi-million-dollar Bendigo Tramways expansion.

The $10.7 million works are being delivered in collaboration with local and State Governments and Bendigo Heritage Attractions to increase storage and workshop capacity and upgrade facilities at the Hargreaves Street site.

CEO of Bendigo Tramways, James Reade, said more space was needed to house some of Victoria’s most significant heritage trams and fix up others still in use today.

“We’re doing work for a range of clients including the State Government on the W8 upgrade, the City Circle trams in Melbourne,” he said.

“It’s pretty unique in terms of the skills and expertise we have in restoring trams.

“The expansion will effectively double our workshop space and give us some of the best and latest equipment to make sure we can continue doing our work, as well as enhancing the visitor experience on the site.”

Public feedback was opened earlier in the year on the project’s master plan, which Mr Reade said brought back positive and supportive responses.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said those responses had been taken into account in the updated designs.

“We want to ensure the local community is well informed, and this second round of consultation gives people the chance to see how the design has progressed and provide any further feedback they may have about the project,” she said.

The latest round is asking for the public’s thoughts specifically on the new storage facilities and ways construction impacts could be minimised.

“We’re calling on, in particular, the neighbours and the local area to get their feedback on the design and concept so we can continue that as we move our way through detailed design and hopefully, fingers crossed, construction very early next year,” Mr Reade said.

Have your say before 5pm on 5 November via victrack.com.au/bendigotramways.