Government admits ‘minor’ additions may be included in acquisitions for Melbourne Metro Rail

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan admits more property may need to be acquired to build Melbourne Metro Rail.

But she stressed on 3AW Drive any additions would be ‘minor’ and unexpected.

Ms Allan revealed on Tuesday dozens of buildings and titles would be acquired to help build the rail project, promised at last year’s election.

The government did not give exact locations, however businesses in a central city arcade rang 3AW in shock after learning their shops were on the acquisition hit list.

At this stage, 94 properties will be compulsorily acquired: 44 buildings – 15 residential – including 49 apartments.

The properties to go are in South Kensington, South Yarra and the CBD.

The Transport Minister could not guarantee that would be it, given more planning needed to be done.

‘While we’re certainly not expecting there to be any changes to the property requirements that have been announced today, there may be some minor ? minor ? additions as the necessary planning work continues,’ Ms Allan said on 3AW Drive.

LISTEN: Jacinta Allan explains today’s news on 3AW Drive