A site right next to Liverpool station that was an annoying eyesore has finally been put to use for what it should have been years ago: car parking.
There have been calls for years from local commuters to turn the Bigge Street site, which was idle most of the time, into a carpark.
It will disappoint some that only 90 news car parking spaces have been made available, but it’s 90 spaces that didn’t exist before.
On Wednesday Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian joined Member for Menai Melanie Gibbons to open the brand new car park at Liverpool Station.
“It’s wonderful to be standing here opening a brand new car park for customers just nine months after we promised to transform an old work site into much needed parking spaces for South West commuters,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have wasted no time delivering the extra car spaces, motorcycle spaces and modern lighting and CCTV for customers, making catching the train even more accessible and convenient for customers.
“Parking near stations is a big issue for customers and that’s why after 16 years of lip service from Labor, the NSW Government is investing in new parking spaces right across the region.
“We’re looking for every opportunity to boost parking – down the road at Holsworthy we’re extending the existing car park and here in Liverpool we took an old construction site that we no longer needed and turned it into a car park.
“I am also pleased that construction will soon begin at Liverpool Station to hand over around 25 staff parking spaces to customers.”
The new Liverpool commuter car park is part of the NSW Government’s $770 million Transport Access Program, delivering modern, safe and accessible transport infrastructure where it is needed most.
Ms Gibbons said she had listened to the community and was working hard to provide incentives for locals to leave their car behind and catch public transport to and from work, school and time with friends and family.
“This is great news for the community who previously only had access to around 22 short term spaces and five parking spaces for people with a disability near the station,” she said.
“I am pleased locals now have more than 90 new parking spaces to choose from, helping them to avoid having to circle local streets looking for somewhere to park.
“Liverpool customers will also have more destinations at their doorstep come early 2015, when the South West Rail Link opens, with stations at Edmondson Park and Leppington.
“A brand new rail line delivered hundreds of millions under budget and a year ahead of schedule, two state-of-the-art stations and 1,250 parking spaces is something I know locals are very much looking forward to.
“Whether it’s completing the rollout of Opal, introducing real-time apps, building the South West Rail Link, putting on more services, making sure trains are air-conditioned or upgrading stations and car parks, the NSW Liberal and National Government is transforming public transport.”
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