Inner West infrastructure & local insights

The dynamic Inner West is buzzing, with a flurry of new infrastructure projects, firmly establishing its reputation as a coveted pocket where beautiful beaches, relaxed living and village-like charm coexist with urban convenience.

The Inner West is on the cusp of a transportation revolution, with multi-billion-dollar projects underway to slash travel times, streamline connections to Geelong and Melbourne, and bolster connectivity and economic growth.

The West Gate Tunnel, set for completion in late 2025, will offer a game-changing solution for CBD commuters. Twin tunnels will create a vital second river crossing, offering a new route for the 200,000 daily commuters. Widening the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes will ease congestion, transforming travel times and breathing new life into western Melbourne's transportation network. When the project is complete in 2025, it will feature more than 14km of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths and almost 9-hectares of parkland and wetlands.

Detailed planning is underway for a $2 billion Geelong Fast Rail with a dedicated track from Werribee to Laverton to cut average travel times by up to 15 minutes. Work has begun on the $50 billion Suburban Rail Loop, linking the Werribee and Frankston lines via Melbourne Airport and promising faster connections to Geelong, Melbourne, and key education and business hubs by 2053

A massive $1.5 billion expansion project is transforming Footscray Hospital, marking one of Victoria's largest investments in healthcare infrastructure. This expansion, slated for completion in 2025, will add 200 beds and significantly increase the hospital's capacity, allowing it to serve an estimated 20,000 additional patients annually through the emergency department.

Schools across the region are experiencing a wave of upgrades, ensuring access to exceptional facilities for a well-rounded education. A $1.2 million upgrade at Altona Primary School opens next year. Williamstown High School boasts a brand-new senior school and theatre, while the Bayside P-12 College – Williamstown Campus recently unveiled a $6.7 million upgrade featuring a modern maths and science block. Increased kindergarten capacity across the municipality ensures this focus on quality extends to all ages.

Parks and recreation reserves across the region are being refreshed. Crofts Reserve boasts a new playground and revamped pathways, while JJ Ginifer Reserve now offers a play tower, slide and swings.

Hobsons Bay's seniors can get fit, stay healthy and connect with others at the brand-new seniors’ exercise park in Spotswood's Donald McLean Reserve.

Altona Meadows Library has transformed into Hobsons Bay's first Centre of Excellence, with a $2.5 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics hub for all ages featuring technology pods and robots.

Williamstown's waterfront is in line for a makeover with three key projects: a revamp of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club, improved open spaces along the foreshore, and a tree-lined trail through Rifle Range Reserve as part of the city's urban forest strategy. Development of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre has begun, with early works to create a temporary hub at HD Graham Reserve in Altona Meadows while long-term planning progresses to create a permanent urban oasis in Melbourne's west.

This major infrastructure investment will ensure the Inner West remains an in-demand destination for families and professionals seeking the perfect combination of connectivity and coastal beauty.

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Inner West infrastructure & local insights

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