Sutherland’s new commuter car park will open on Monday, July 6, with 50 more spaces than anticipated and more than $10 million under budget.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the multi-storey car park would provide 388 spaces for commuters and 84 for members of Club on East (previously Sutherland United Services Club), which had leased the site to Transport for NSW.
Mr Constance said the project cost $19.6 million, well below the $30 million allowed in the budget and half the projected $37 million cost in the government’s initial announcement in 2012.
Mr Constance, who was accompanied by MPs Eleni Petinos (Miranda), Lee Evans (Heathcote) and Melanie Gibbons (Holsworthy) said it was ‘‘fantastic news’’ for commuters as well as taxpayers.
The car park is only 200 metres from the station, with an entry and exit in Robertson Street.
Mr Constance said construction company Built had finished the project earlier than expected and ‘‘at a good outcome for the taxpayer’’.
‘‘I also want to recognise the club for the partnership that has been formed,’’ he said.
‘‘You have the club spaces downstairs and three storeys of commuter car parking above.
‘‘There is disability access at level one.’’
Mr Constance said that the car park would meet additional demand created by more people catching trains to work.
He said the government was ‘‘working aggressively to get people out of cars and on to trains’’.
Mr Constance said while there would be more traffic in the area, the car park had been designed with pedestrian safety in mind and to minimise the impact at intersections.
Residents in adjoining apartment blocks were consulted as much as possible, Mr Constance said.
‘‘I thank residents for engaging with us about matters such as colour design and facades.’’
Melanie Gibbons said residents’ concerns about lighting and security were also taken into account.
Eleni Petinos said Sutherland was her ‘‘local station’’ and she had previously parked opposite the community centre in Rawson Avenue.
‘‘The idea that there are 388 more spots is absolutely fantastic,’’ she said.
Will you use the new car park?