Parking relief for Varsity Lakes commuters

Commuters will be approximately 70 car parks better off as the temporary Commonwealth Games parking spaces at Varsity Lakes train station are given a $250,000 facelift to expand the available parking capacity.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the success of the Varsity Lakes park’n’ride during the Commonwealth Games reinforced the benefits the additional parks would have for customers.

“We’re advised that the sealed component of the temporary GC2018 park‘n’ride will be ready for customers within a month, which is great news for Gold Coast commuters,” Mr Bailey said.

“Transport and Main Roads officers have assessed the site following the Games ahead of site reparation works.

“The site was assessed as requiring temporary lighting and CCTV, as well as remedial works including repairs to the car park surface, line marking and fencing.

“Park ‘n’ ride facilities are an important element of the transport network and, when delivered in the right locations, they allow commuters to connect with high frequency public transport where walking, cycling and other transport options are limited.

The additional spaces are a temporary arrangement that’ll be in place while longer term planning for the site occurs.  

Mr Bailey said the vacant land around Varsity Lakes station is earmarked for future use as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD), and additional commuter car parking for the train station.

“Using this land for car parking as the TOD plans progress is a great result for commuters,” Mr Bailey said.     

“In addition to utilising land near train stations for park’n’rides, TOD opportunities are also identified at locations where the state owns adjacent land that is surplus to rail requirements.

“TODs are private sector developments aimed at creating vibrant and accessible mixed use spaces.  They typically promote increased use of active and public transport modes and improve safety and security through passive surveillance.

There are currently 305 car spaces at Varsity Lakes train station.

ENDS

Media Enquiries – Carmel Robertson, 0439 347 875