Parkville residents concerned about new “Skyrail” impact

To make way for Melbourne’s new “Skyrail”, a number of level crossings will be removed, and two new stations will be built in the city’s inner north.

However, some residents think this project will have a “major” impact for people who live near Royal Park. 

The 2.1km rail bridge will be built by 2030 and aims to make the Parkville to Brunswick section of the Upfield line “boom gate-free". As well, the rail bridge is  intended to improve east-to-west connections, while paving the way for more trains to run in the future. 

To achieve this, eight level crossings between Park Street in Parkville and Albion Street in Brunswick will be removed. 

The rail bridge will also create two MCGs worth of new open space, and the state government plans to transform the Upfield Bike Path by delivering separate cycling and walking paths. 

However, Parkville Association president Rob Moore said that the “Skyrail” will have serious repercussions for residents, particularly those living near Park Street through to Royal Park Station. 

Mr Moore told Inner City News that residents who live adjacent to the rail line will be subject to the resultant noise, while some residents’ views of Royal Park will be replaced by the trains coming in and out of the city. 

“There are blocks there that have been there for 60 to 70 years, and terrace houses that have been there 150 years and suddenly their view of Royal Park will be one of the elevated rail lines,” he said. 

“It’s going to be a bloody eyesore for residents who’ve enjoyed Royal Park forever,” he added.  

Additionally, as a part of the works, three train stations in central Brunswick will be closed and replaced with two new stations. 

Current plans show that the “southern station” will be located across from the RMIT campus located on Dawson St in Brunswick, with Jewell Station removed to make way for it. 

The “northern station” will be placed between Hope and West streets, where two level crossings will be removed. 

Mr Moore said that the new “southern station” will make it more difficult for residents of North Parkville to walk and catch a train, and that it will have a major impact on all residents in the area.