Light Rail project on track

Light Rail project on track
Image: Artists' impression of the High Cross Park interchange. Source: supplied

Randwick City Council welcomes the approval of the Central Business District and South East Light Rail (CSELR) despite concerns over its design and impacts.

Randwick Mayor Scott Nash said the approval will provide much-needed public transport infrastructure in the east of Sydney.

“Bringing light rail to Randwick City will be a transformation of our public transport system that will provide significant benefits to residents, students, workers, commuters and visitors,” Mr Nash said.

“We are working closely with Transport for [New South Wales] and we have also developed our own comprehensive support package, where we plan to invest up to $68 million to address key concerns such as parking, traffic management and pedestrian safety.”

State Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian was delighted with the approval.

“This is a priority project for the NSW Government that will transform Sydney, deliver over $4 billion worth of economic benefits and create 10,000 jobs for NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

However, issues raised by Randwick City councillors and residents during consultation are yet to be dealt with. A total of 58% of the submissions were concerned with traffic, transport and access impacts.

The CSELR is expected to remove up to 700 car parks across Randwick, Kingsford and Kensington. Randwick is listed as the area least capable of dealing with decreased parking.

Options being explored by Randwick City Council include the creation of new on street car parking by changing parallel parking to angle parking in streets near Anzac Pde.

Another option would involve the purchase of land and construction of a multi-storey car park at Kingsford Nine Ways roundabout, or on Rainbow St.

Council and Transport for NSW representatives are finalising their development agreement which should establish the contribution by State Government.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said light rail will help reduce congestion by taking vehicles off the road.

“Transport for NSW is working with Randwick City Council to look at parking, including identifying additional parking spaces in the surrounding streets, such as angle parking and changes to parking restrictions,” the spokesman said.

“Randwick City Council is responsible for making changes to parking within their local government area.”

The spokesman confirmed the High Cross Park terminal has been approved.

The service is expected to be operational in 2019 or 2020.

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