Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Minister praises Coalition's precinct upgrade

Access around Melbourne’s world famous Sports and Entertainment Precinct has been further improved with the completion of a new $10.7 million pedestrian bridge and associated works, connecting the MCG and the new Multi Purpose Venue (MPV).

The Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, Mr Justin Madden, said the opening of the 12 metre wide footbridge across the rail corridor was part of a $37.5 million upgrade of the precinct and would provide a vital link between the MCG and Melbourne Park.

The precinct upgrade and construction of the Multi Purpose Venue were key features of the Kennett Government sporting events and tourism strategy and formed part of the Coalition's Major Projects program.

“Each year hundreds of thousands of people attend events at the MCG, Melbourne Park and Olympic Park and now with the construction of the MPV there will be an even greater need to provide easy and safe access for people making the most of these world-class facilities,” Mr Madden said.

“The pedestrian bridge is accessible to everyone. Lifts and stairs are located at the southern side allowing people to access a new footpath to Richmond Station and a new, state-of-the-art stop for the relocated the route 70 tram.”

“People will be able to access the footbridge from the MCG via the concourse of the Southern Stand.”

Mr Madden said the opening of the new pedestrian bridge coincides with the completion of Melbourne’s most modern tram stop, another initiative of the Kennett Government, now managed by the private operator of Yarra Trams.

“The new stop for Yarra Trams’ Wattle Park service offers passengers six shelters on either side of the tracks, lighting, security cameras and a control room that will be staffed during special events to enhance the efficiency of tram services during large crowds,” Mr Madden said.

Other works in the upgrade include the completion of a major public plaza adjacent to the MPV, replacing and widening the existing narrow footbridge between the MCG and Melbourne Park, constructing a pedestrian bridge adjacent to Jolimont Railway Station and landscaping the Swan Street boulevard between Punt Road and the Yarra River.

The remaining works are expected to be finalised by the end of 2000.

See News Release, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, 16 November 1999