THE State Government has announced Bellevue as the preferred site for the Metronet railcar manufacturing facility, which is set to be built next year.
The proposed site, which will be located near the historic Midland railway workshops, will be used to assemble much of the 246 railcars required to service Metronet projects – as well as replacing ageing trains in the Transperth network, over the next 10 years.
The facility will be co-located with the Public Transport Authority’s next railcar depot, which is currently being assessed by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.
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READ NOWA supplier for the new trains will be selected in early 2019, with a key commitment to manufacture or assemble 50 per cent of the rail cars in WA.
Premier Mark McGowan said the project would create local jobs.
“It’s exciting we are in a position to bring brains well and truly back into the Midland precinct at a new purpose-built facility in Bellevue,” he said.
“Metronet is not only a world-class public transport system, but will create new opportunities for local workers.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said it was an exciting time for the region.
“The Midland area is entering a very exciting era. Projects like the Bellevue Rail Extension, new Midland Station, redevelopment of the historic workshops, and now the return of rail production to the area, are all starting to gain momentum,” she said.
“The successful proponent for the railway construction contract will have input into the final design of the facilities at Bellevue, and construction work will start in 2019.”
City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said the announcement was a nod to the region’s extensive rail history.
He said it was a significant investment in the local community.
“This announcement marks the return of rail production to Midland, an area with nearly a century of industrial railway history,” he said.
“The Midland railway workshops ran for nearly 100 years and were vital to the development and maintenance of the state’s rail system.
“Now we are seeing the beginning of a new era for the industry, with the promise of a purpose built facility just one kilometre away from the historic workshops precinct.
“This facility will bring jobs and opportunities for our local community, and help enhance Midland as a key strategic metropolitan centre for WA.”