Getting ready for major construction
Melbourne’s new Next Generation Trams will set the standard for modern public transport by delivering a more accessible, comfortable, and energy-efficient journey for passengers.
The new trams will start rolling out locally on routes 57, 59 and 82 from 2025.
To keep the new trams running safely and reliably a new maintenance and stabling facility is being built on part of the old Victoria University site at the corner of Williamson and Hampstead roads.
The facility will be used to maintain, clean and stable the trams and will also house the tram operations and administration staff.
Site establishment and early works are starting soon with major construction on track to kick off later this year following planning and heritage approvals.
To build the new facility we’ll need to remove trees and vegetation from April to late 2023.
Trees and vegetation being removed are within the project area and have been inspected by an arborist.
Our consultation told us trees are important to the local community. We have listened to this feedback and we’ll retain as many trees as we can and replace every tree we do remove with at least two new trees, either as part of our landscaping or elsewhere in the local area.
We’ll replace every tree we remove with at least two new trees, either as part of our landscaping or elsewhere in the local community.
We will continue to work with Maribyrnong City Council and the community on future landscaping opportunities.
Managing vegetation removal
The project team thoroughly investigates all options to retain trees wherever possible and reduce impacts on flora and fauna.
Independent arborists have conducted a comprehensive assessment of trees and vegetation in the area.
What's assessed:
- Structural strength, including the size and location of tree roots
- Health, life expectancy and significance to the area
- How close the tree is to construction works and services.
This assessment helps identify which trees pose a hazard to operations and require removal.
Understanding root systems and tree health is crucial to identifying where we can avoid tree and vegetation removal.
Protecting existing vegetation
All trees and vegetation being retained will be separated from construction with no-go zones to protect the vegetation from construction impacts both above and below the ground.
Wildlife
Before tree and vegetation removal we work with wildlife handlers to make sure any wildlife we encounter is safely rehomed.
Native vegetation
Victoria has a state-wide offsets program aimed at maintaining overall biodiversity across the state. Maidstone’s tram maintenance and stabling facility project is contributing to this scheme in Melbourne’s west.
We’re also working closely with the Maribyrnong City Council on opportunities to enhance native vegetation in the local area.
More information about offsets can be found at environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation(opens in a new window)
Replanting and landscaping
From your feedback, we know landscaping is important to the local community.
Our landscaping and re-vegetation plan will see trees, plants and shrubs planted around the facility’s buildings, at the entrance and on the border.
We’ll use native trees, plants and shrubs since natives are suited to the local environment and climate and need less watering. They also provide habitat for native animals and year-round foliage and shade.
We’ll replace every tree we remove with at least two new trees, either as part of our landscaping or elsewhere in the local community.
We will continue to work with Maribyrnong City Council and the local community on future landscaping opportunities.
We’ll plant trees and work on landscaping once major construction is complete.
More information including landscaping plans and what’s being planted in your neighbourhood will be shared as the project progresses.
Repurposing trees for the community
Large logs and mulch will be used for landscaping at the facility. We'll work with local community groups, schools and Maribyrnong City Council to discuss how removed trees can be used for local initiatives and projects.
If you’re part of a group that could use the timber for local initiatives, email MaidstoneTMF@transport.vic.gov.au or call 1800 105 105.
Download a PDF version of the Trees and vegetation fact sheet
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