Construction of the Stabling and Maintenance Facility for the Parramatta Light Rail’s new fleet of vehicles has commenced in Camellia.
The milestone comes after the $116 million clean up of contaminated land at the 4-6 Grand Avenue site.
This followed controversial revelations that Transport for NSW (TFNSW) paid Grand 4 Investments $53.5 million for the contaminated six-hectare site in 2016, and assumed liability for its contamination issues, despite the vendor paying $38.15 million for the land just seven months prior.
The site was previously used for a variety of industrial and chemical manufacturing purposes dating back to the 1930’s.
The remediation works included the installation of a hydraulic barrier wall around the perimeter of the site to prevent the spread of contaminants and a soil capping system to prevent residual contamination rising to the surface.
The work also included the removal of contaminated spoil and treatment of groundwater.
Parramatta MP Geoff Lee said the new facility will feature a stabling yard; a three-storey maintenance building with an operations control centre; vehicle sanding and washing facilities; and staff amenities.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will have everything we need to deliver an efficient, safe and reliable service for the people of western Sydney,” he said.
“With more than 85 per cent of track laid across the alignment, it is exciting to see construction underway on the engine-room that will be behind the new light rail system.”
Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the facility will maintain a fleet of 13 light rail vehicles, and be supported by more than 50 staff, including drivers, technicians and maintenance crews.
Dr Lee said the facility will monitor the 12-kilometre light rail alignment day and night to ensure the system works efficiently and keeps passengers safe.
“The facility will have the latest technology and equipment to ensure the system is running smoothly and passengers have the best experience,” he said.
“Strategically sized and located, the facility will also have the potential to support an expansion of fleet operations in the future, if required.”
Construction of the facility commenced following the completion of the significant remediation and ground improvement works.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to commence services in 2023.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.