Fairfield Alphington Rail Spur

The community has been using and maintaining pathways to cross the Fairfield Alphington Rail rail spur land for more than 100 years.   

The Fairfield/Alphington rail spur land presents a perfect opportunity to provide connection and accessible open space for residents living both sides of the railway line. Our plan advocates for safe walking and cycling paths with easy access to schools, kindergartens, Fairfield and Alphington Railway Stations, the Station Street shopping precinct and other community services.   

In light of the growing population from extensive local development – most notably almost 5000 extra residents now living in the Amcor/Yarra bend development – accessible open space has never been more important.   

After extensive consultation, we know that the local community wants this land to be used for:

• a shared pathway to complete the Anniversary Trail together with a linear park that incorporates an active play area with infrastructure to cater for all age groups
• Celebration of the history of the Outer Circle Line (The Forgotten Railway) on the site of the original Fulham Grange Station and 
• a Community Garden  

The community needs open space with recreational facilities for health and well-being. Open space and local facilities that are easily accessible are essential for families, teenagers, young children and older people living in a high-density urban environment. The rail spur land provides an ideal opportunity to connect community and provide a space for all.  

The Fairfield Alphington rail spur land is the only section of the old Outer Circle Railway line that has not been converted into a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians surrounded by parkland with recreational facilities.  The Fulham Grange Railway Station was situated on the Fairfield-Alphington Rail Spur land and is worthy of recognition for its historical significance.  

We are very appreciative of the support and significant engagement we have received from local Northcote MP Kat Theophanous as well as Darebin and Yarra Councils. Together they are fully supportive of the plan for open space, connecting path and community facilities as well as the ongoing need for local residents to be actively involved in the repurposing of the rail spur land.   

The community understands that VicTrack must make a financial return on any future use of the land and we recognize that the corner section of the spur abutting Grange Road and Heidelberg Road is very valuable. We believe that a solution can be found that meets the needs of both the community, VicTrack and other stakeholders.  

The Friends of Fairfield-Alphington Rail Spur are delighted to be part of the Alphington Fairfield Civic Association and continue to advocate for the rail spur land.    

If you’d like to receive regular updates about the Fairfield-Alphington Rail Spur land, please send an email to reinstatethepath@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.