Commuters across Frankston City and the Mornington Peninsula now have a safer and more convenient way to park and ride, with the opening of the Kananook Car Park – a significant infrastructure project delivered through a partnership between Frankston City Council and the Australian Government.
Located directly opposite Kananook Railway Station and adjacent to Frankston Stadium – which is set to undergo a major redevelopment of its own – the multi-level facility provides 325 free car spaces; eight of which are specifically designated for disabled persons on the ground floor. A dedicated bicycle parking area, and enhanced access for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists have also been included.
The car park has been visually integrated with the local environment through an exterior design that reflects the gentle curves of Kananook Creek, and also ‘Meander,’ a stainless steel sculpture symbolising the flow and beauty of the local waterway, the Council said in a statement.
The project was made possible thanks to the use of Council-owned land and $22 million in Federal Government funding.
Frankston City Council Mayor, Kris Bolam welcomed the car park opening and acknowledged the importance of Council’s advocacy and forward thinking in securing the investment and purchasing land ahead of time with a commuter car park in mind.
“This project is a direct result of Council’s strong and strategic advocacy and planning for infrastructure that meets the real needs of our growing community,” Mayor Bolam said.
“The Kananook Car Park isn’t just about improving access to rail – it’s about unlocking opportunity. From supporting active transport to reducing congestion, the benefits of this facility will be felt right across our community for years to come.”
Federal Member for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea MP, also celebrated the project’s delivery as a strong outcome for local commuters and families.
“This project is about making everyday life more affordable and convenient – whether people are heading to work, school, sport, or connecting with friends and family,” Ms Belyea said.
“With the Australian Government’s $22 million investment in the Kananook Car Park, we’re delivering real cost-of-living support by providing free, accessible and people-focused infrastructure that takes pressure off local households. I’m proud to see this facility officially open and ready to serve the growing Frankston City community and broader region.”
Key features of the car park include:
- Two levels of secure, undercover parking plus an open top deck 3rd level
- Real-time space availability indicators and signage
- Safe pedestrian access points and pathway upgrades
- Dedicated bicycle parking and landscaping
- New traffic signals and improved pedestrian safety
- Public art and architectural design referencing Kananook Creek
- CCTV for improved security
The Council says community access and site suitability were front of mind when choosing the location and design, with the car park constructed on land already zoned for commercial infrastructure to minimise environmental impact.
In an effort to improve community safety at the new car park, Council worked with State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, who backed Council’s request for Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to include the facility in their regular patrols.
“I was proud to support Council’s push to ensure the new car park at Kananook is a safe and welcoming space. While the land may be Council-owned, it clearly serves public transport users, and it’s only right that PSOs include it in their patrols. I thank Minister Carbines for his support in delivering an outcome that prioritises community safety,” said Mr Edbrooke.
Outside peak commute times, the car park will support access to adjacent recreational and sporting facilities, further enhancing the area’s appeal to visitors and residents, Council says.
The new car park complements the neighbouring major $60 million redevelopment of the Frankston Stadium, which will see a 10-court facility, including a 1,000 spectator show court, and Frankston’s first purpose-built community gymnastics hall. Building on the stadium starts mid 2025, with completion expected in two years, taking the overall investment in the precinct to $85 million.
During construction, the car park project is estimated to have generated 102 local jobs, delivered $8.9 million in wages, and contributed to a total economic output of $53.46 million.
