Car parking woes at Yarra’s Edge

Yarra’s Edge has gone from having the best public car parking in Docklands to arguably the worst following the closure last month of the public car park next to Tower 5.

The car park was always earmarked for development but traders are upset that they were not given more notice or any alternative parking arrangements.

Yacht charter operator David Krinsky accused developer Mirvac of disregarding the interests of businesses and residents.

In a letter to Mirvac, Mr Krinsky said: “I understand it is Mirvac’s property but one week’s notice is less than inadequate under any circumstances.”

“I am extremely concerned as there is now no long-term parking available. The only current parking available is two-hour parking and this is very limited.  I cannot understand why we were not given more notice to discuss alternative options?”

Mirvac says it gave two weeks’ notice and that the closure was necessary to allow Melbourne Water to upgrade a major storm water drain and other authority services.

It says that, while the works are expected to be completed by March, there is no guarantee that the car park will reopen.

“Whilst there is potential to re-open the car park, this is dependent upon future development activity,” a Mirvac spokesperson said.

“Mirvac understand that, whilst there may be some short-term frustration amongst businesses, the continued development of Yarra’s Edge will deliver an increased population and further business opportunities to the retailers.”

Marina YE manager Allan Cayzer said while he was pleased that the works to the storm water drain would protect the river from contamination, he was disappointed to lose the car parking.

He said Docklands’ car parking problems were now most pronounced at Yarra’s Edge.