The new car park will be built in two stages, with the city in discussions with VicTrack and V/Line about a memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed in the next two months. 

The first stage will create 140 car parks and cost $300,000, funded in the 2016-17 council budget.

Stage two will add another 80 parks at a cost of $800,000, expected to be funded in 2020-21. 

At Monday night’s council meeting, Cr Peter Hulin questioned why the second stage cost significantly more than stage one, despite creating less car parks. 

Mr Anson said the cost would be associated with hot mixing the area from Gillies Street through to Fairy Street. He said the first stage costs were associated with fencing and spray sealing. 

“So we are spending $300,000 on a fence and putting down some asphalt, then we are spending $800,000 to re-asphalt in three years’ time?” Cr Hulin questioned. 

Mr Anson said the area was “fairly rough” and there was considerable work needed to get the area to a reasonable standard.

He said V/Line and VicTrack were discussing the future of the goods shed and all underground services had been considered. 

Cr Rob Askew asked other than sealing in stage two if there was any other major works that would be needed that would form part of cost. 

Mr Anson said it was a complex area with traffic and pedestrian movements and a mix of short-term, long-term and secure parking. 

“V/Line wish to provide a secure parking area for their clients, that may be the area to the west. There may be changes that incorporate “kiss and drop” areas,” he said. 

“Another issue is there is plans to lengthening the railway platform. There is a whole lot of complications. 

“The intention is to get access to the land, provide some parking there and then progressively move through the area.”