Gardiner tram substation
We’re revitalising Melbourne’s tram network, meeting the city’s future needs and increased demands on the tram network. Upgrades to our network and tram fleet will make travel more reliable, efficient and convenient.
We’re investing in new and accessible trams that are better for passengers and the environment. This allows us to progressively retire the ageing, high-floor fleet.
We’re enhancing service reliability and preparing the network for future improvements, with plans to introduce larger, more comfortable trams on routes 5, 6 and 72.
For larger trams to operate on routes 5, 6 and 72, we need to upgrade the tram power infrastructure in Glen Iris by building a new tram substation near the tram network.
We’ve identified a suitable site within the rail reserve near the corner of Burke Road and King Street, Glen Iris. This location allows the tram substation to be connected to the tram network where our investigations show more power is needed.
Engagement update
From October to December 2023, we engaged with the community about the proposed Gardiner tram substation. The purpose was to raise awareness about the project and receive feedback on what is important as we design and deliver the new substation.
What we heard
Feedback from residents and business owners focussed on the following topics:
- Visual impact and fit with the local character
- Maintenance of landscaping around the substation
- Management of any graffiti.
- Environmental impacts
- Preserving parkland
- Impacts on health and the environment due to EMF (electromagnetic fields)
Next steps
We will share community feedback with the substation designers. Architects will then develop a concept design which considers community feedback.
The final architectural design, including proposed landscaping, will be shared with the community in the coming months.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025 and be completed in 2026.
Get in touch
For more information or to share your feedback email us at [email protected] or call 1800 800 007.
Tram substations are self-contained, unstaffed buildings that deliver power to the tram network. The substations contain electrical equipment that’s connected to nearby powerlines.
Tram substations contain a transformer that converts high-voltage electricity from the local power network into the lower voltage needed to run trams.
Without substations, the tram network can’t run.
All tram substations are designed to ensure they meet all relevant operating safety standards and guidelines.
Equipment for the tram substation will be housed inside the building. There won’t be any additional above-ground powerlines required to supply power to the substation.
We will consult with the community and Council on the facility look and feel to align to the local urban character as far as is reasonably practical.
The community can also provide feedback by emailing [email protected].
The new building will be architecturally designed with community feedback in mind.
Anywhere there is electricity, there are electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including in mobile phones, household appliances and the powerlines providing electricity to your home.
Electromagnetic emissions from new tram substations are similar to the levels already produced by existing powerlines.
EMF levels outside of tram substations will always be well below the international standards that have been adopted in Australia.
Rigorous testing will be undertaken during the commissioning of the substation to ensure measured EMF levels are within the prescribed safe operating limits, and fully comply with the relevant National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. EMF levels at 5-10m from the substation equipment are expected to be indistinguishable from normal background levels.
We will work to minimise impacts to trees and vegetation as much as possible, however there are some trees at the site that may require relocation or replanting, depending on the final location of the tram substation. We will offset any tree removal by planting additional trees in accordance with Council’s tree management policies.
At this stage, we do not anticipate that parking will be impacted due to the proposed location within the rail reserve. Parking may be impacted during construction however we will ensure the community are made aware of any disruptions ahead of works taking place.