A move by the state government to accelerate the redevelopment of the precinct around Albion Station and Ballarat Road could help resolve the serious disconnect of the bike network in Melbourne’s north west.
Albion, which is close to Sunshine, is the place where several key bike corridors – built and yet-to-be-built – are supposed to join up.
But rail and road structures have cruelly prevented the connections that should be making it easy for riders to cruise from Footscray to Watergardens, or to link to the M80 trail to travel east.
Now, with the launch of a new discussion paper on the future direction of the old industrial area of Albion, the problem is getting new attention. https://engage.vic.gov.au/download/document/34595
The public has been invited to comment on some preliminary concepts for the area, named the Albion Quarter, as planners move towards producing a new structure plan for the area. https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/sunshine/page/AlbionQuarter
Complete a survey to give your feedback by Sunday 28 July or visit one of the upcoming pop-ups and find out more about the Albion Quarter vision and emerging ideas, and what else is going on in the Sunshine Precinct.
- Victoria University, Sunshine Campus, Wednesday 12 June 2024, 11am-1pm
- Albion Station, Tuesday 23 July 2024, 7am-9am
Airport Rail deferral
Bike riders believed a solution to their connectivity problems in and around Sunshine and Albion was on the horizon with the advent of Airport Rail.
Airport Rail, now deferred because of demands for an underground station by Melbourne Airport’s operator, had designed a series of high-quality bike connections, which would have seen the blockages of Ballarat Road and the freight line overcome.
Under the new Albion Quarter concepts these solutions can be incorporated into a wider planning exercise, which should improve the outcome for local riders and those connecting from further afield.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DPT) describes the exercise as a "transition of Albion Quarter from the current mix of industrial-focused businesses to supporting Melbourne’s next generation of jobs, innovation and services, and provide a space for new residential dwellings close to public transport and active transport connections”.
Among the objectives is "resolving connections across major rail and road barriers to facilitate movement throughout Albion Quarter and reducing transport-led community severance” and to "prioritise active transport and public transport and increase mode choice options for all trip types".
"The vision for Albion Quarter is a modal mix where 60% of trips to, from and within Albion Quarter are undertaken by public transport, walking and cycling.”
DTP says it will fill in the missing links in the area with “more safe, coherent routes for active transport are needed to connect people to Albion and its key destinations, fill gaps in the broader network and enhance user experiences for all".
As well, linking key locations with "direct, safe and pleasant connections to Albion Station, John Darling Flour Mill, key development sites, Victoria University, and Hampshire Road (Sunshine) should be considered".
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