New Armadale train station a model of co-operation

6/11/04

Hundreds of Armadale residents today celebrated the official opening of the city's new $8.3million railway station.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new station provided a focus for the redevelopment of the town centre.

"Today's station opening and commencement of services is a great day for Armadale and really highlights the Gallop Government's commitment to revitalise and grow Armadale as a strategic regional centre," Ms MacTiernan said.

"The quality of the building will vastly improve the public transport experience and will encourage more people to use the system.

"The relocated station provides a landmark building to frame the town mall and bring much needed life into that area."

Works include a new overpass to provide sheltered 24-hour access across the rail line.

"What we see today is a huge improvement on the previous facility, which basically comprised platforms and a shelter," the Minister said.

"This is a significant step in delivering Armadale an improved transport precinct, and continues the development of Armadale as a strategic regional centre."

Residents and local business people joined city councillors and representatives of community groups, schools, contractors and suppliers at today's community event.

The station was built as part of the Gallop Government's Building Better Train Stations Program.

"The Building Better Train Stations Program is about promoting the use of public transport nodes to help revitalise established communities such as Armadale," Ms MacTiernan said.

"This project combines the Gallop Government's commitment to rebuild Armadale and our commitment to upgrade public transport.

"Labor's ability to continue to deliver balanced budgets through good economic management has underpinned vital public infrastructure projects such as the Building Better Train Stations Program."

Upgraded facilities at Maylands and Bassendean are other examples of projects completed under the program.

Ms MacTiernan said Gosnells would be the next project completed under the scheme and other station upgrades planned included Midland, Kelmscott and Maddington.