Maidstone tram depot

The Maidstone tram depot is a tram maintenance and stabling facility on the Yarra Trams network in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is located on Hampstead Road near the intersection with Williamson Road in Maidstone, in Melbourne's inner west. The depot was constructed from 2023 to support Melbourne’s new fleet of G‑class trams, with the first tram delivered to the site in September 2025 for testing and commissioning. Passenger operations are expected to begin in 2026. The project included the construction of a new double‑track spur along Williamson Road connecting to Route 82. History Site history The history of the site covers varied use. The Defence Department erected an explosives factory on the site in 1942, to support arms manufacture during World War II. Some of the Defence site was repurposed from the 1950s as transitionary migrant accommodation as part of Australia's post-war immigration programme. Following the cessation of supported migrant programs in 1982, part of the former Defence site was used for the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre, until its closure in 2018. The former migrant accommodation facilities, where the depot is located, was used for student housing by Victoria University from 1989 until 2016. Use as a tram depot In November 2021, the Department of Transport announced that a new tram depot would be built in Maidstone to support the introduction of the Next Generation Tram fleet (later designated the G‑class). Construction began in 2023, delivered by a John Holland–led alliance responsible for civil works, track installation, and depot buildings. Track installation along Williamson Road commenced in late 2023, with the connection to Route 82 completed in mid‑2025. The first G‑class tram (G1.001) arrived at the depot on 12 September 2025. The depot is expected to enter full operational service in 2026. Future expansion The depot was designed with long‑term expansion capacity. The stabling yard includes provision for additional tracks, and the workshop building can be extended to accommodate future tram classes or increased maintenance demand. The Victorian Government has indicated that the site may support future network extensions or fleet upgrades beyond the G‑class program. Design and facilities The Maidstone tram depot was designed as a modern, high‑capacity maintenance and stabling facility for the G‑class fleet. The site includes 11 maintenance and stabling tracks, a heavy maintenance workshop, automated inspection systems, and a wheel lathe capable of servicing low‑floor trams. Sustainability features include: rooftop solar photovoltaic systems rainwater harvesting for tram washing and landscaping recycled and low‑carbon construction materials energy‑efficient LED yard lighting noise‑reducing track and building treatments The workshop building contains maintenance pits, overhead gantries, automated lifting equipment, and digital diagnostic tools. Staff facilities include training rooms, operational control spaces, amenities, and secure parking. Construction Major construction works included: demolition of the former Victoria University Student Village site remediation and earthworks installation of a new double‑track spur along Williamson Road construction of the main workshop and stabling yard installation of overhead wiring, substations, and signalling commissioning of automated inspection and maintenance equipment The depot’s buildings were completed in late 2025, enabling the arrival of the first G‑class tram for testing. Operations The depot is owned by VicTrack and operated by Yarra Trams. Maintenance of the G‑class fleet is carried out by Alstom under a 15‑year maintenance contract associated with the tram supply agreement. The depot will serve as the primary operational base for Routes 57, 59 and 82, improving reliability and reducing dead‑running in Melbourne’s north‑west. The facility is designed to support up to 60 trams as the G‑class fleet expands. Transport connections The depot is located adjacent to Hampstead Road and is accessible by several local bus routes, including services to Footscray, Highpoint, and Sunshine. The nearby Route 82 tram line provides direct access to Moonee Ponds and Footscray, enabling efficient movement of trams into and out of service. Routes Trams from the following routes will be stabled and maintained at the Maidstone depot: 57: West Maribyrnong – City (Elizabeth Street) 59: Airport West – City (Elizabeth Street) 82: Moonee Ponds Junction – Footscray References External links Media related to Maidstone Tram Depot at Wikimedia Commons