Final impressions of a transport and commercial development in Melbourne’s centre have been revealed as the state announces it will deliver a transformed City Square precinct a year ahead of schedule.
The development, part of the $13.4-billion Metro Tunnel project, has been predicted to serve 10,000 commuters during peak periods.
It will integrate retail spaces, hospitality venues and event areas with the new Town Hall Station entrance on Collins Street.
Renders show a station entrance featuring a glass canopy above five escalators leading to a two-tiered concourse.
Transport infrastructure minister Danny Pearson said that City Square “has been one of Melbourne’s favourite meeting places for decades and we’re delighted that this revamped landmark location will return to the people when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025”.
The development incorporates commercial and cultural elements, including an LED wall along Collins Street that will respond to pedestrian movement.
1 of 5
This digital installation replaces the former Mockridge fountain, while the bronze sculpture Beyond the Ocean of Existence will return to its original location at the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane.
Through consultations with Wurundjeri Elders, Indigenous elements, including a permanent smoking ceremony dish, and Woi-wurrung language and artwork etched into surrounding paving, will be incorporated in the square.
Infrastructure improvements include widened pedestrian crossings at the Swanston and Collins streets intersection to accommodate increased foot traffic.
Landscaping works have begun and incorporate native plants and trees.
“With four entrances between City Square and Fed Square, Town Hall Station will make it easier and more convenient for people to get around our fantastic city,” Pearson said.
The development represents a significant cost increase from its initial $10.9-billion forecast, with the Government allocating an additional $837 million to the project.
The site has been closed since 2017 for the construction of Town Hall Station, one of five new underground stations as part of the Metro Tunnel network.
Pearson said the precinct’s potential for commercial activity would make “the new City Square … a go-to destination and meeting place for visitors and commuters”.
So far three stations for the network have been completed—Arden in North Melbourne in January and Parkville in May, while Anzac Station below St Kilda Road at South Melbourne was completed in September and will open in 2025.
The Melbourne Metro system is on track to be delivered a year ahead of schedule, according to the state government.
