Town Hall railway station, Melbourne explained

Style:Melbourne
Town Hall
Type:Future PTV rapid transit station
Address:Swanston Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Borough:City of Melbourne
Country:Australia
Coordinates:-37.8159°N 144.9671°W
Owned:VicTrack
Operator:Metro Trains
Line:Sunshine–Dandenong
Platforms:2
Tracks:2
Connections:
Structure:Underground
Depth:28m (92feet)
Accessible:Yes—step free access
Zone:Myki Zone 1
Website:Town Hall station
Opening:2025 (scheduled)
Electrified:Yes (1500 V DCoverhead)
Status:Under construction
Map State:expanded

Town Hall railway station is a rapid transit railway station on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, serving the Melbourne CBD in Victoria, Australia. When opened as part of the Metro Tunnel project, Town Hall will be an underground premium station, featuring an island platform with two faces. The station will connect directly to Flinders Street via an underground concourse. Major construction commenced in April 2018, with completion in early 2025.[1]

It is being built below Swanston Street between Flinders and Collins Streets and will serve local destinations including St Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, Southbank and the Degraves Street dining precinct. It is named after the nearby Melbourne Town Hall.

History

The Metro Tunnel project began in 2015, with early works commencing on the two central business district (CBD) station sites in 2017.[2] [3] In April 2017, City Square on Swanston Street was fenced off for the commencement of construction and staging works.[4] Major station works at Town Hall began in 2018.[5]

Cross Yarra Partnership, led by Lendlease, was named as the preferred bidder for the construction contract in July 2017 and designs for the project's five stations were presented by the consortium were released publicly, as well as details of connections to existing stations and streetscapes.[6] In November 2017, after a naming competition, it was announced the CBD South station would be named Town Hall, after the nearby Melbourne Town Hall.[7] Updated designs were revealed by the government in 2018 that showed Town Hall and State Library stations would feature large platform caverns with archways, and that there would be multiple entrances.[8] [9]

City Square, Port Philip Arcade on Flinders Street and several small shops along Swanston Street were demolished to allow construction of the station.[10] [11] [12]

In May 2020, major traffic changes were put in place near Flinders Street in order to improve safety around large trucks entering acoustic sheds as a part of the project. Left turns from St Kilda Road to Flinders Street were removed, and the pedestrian crossing between St Paul's Cathedral and Federation Square was temporarily closed.[13]

Two tunnel boring machines arrived at Town Hall station in April 2021 and were dismantled and extracted, signalling an end to tunnelling on the project.[14] Road-headers broke through at the platform tunnels of Town Hall station in August 2021 as the major excavation phase on the two CBD stations neared completion.[15] Town Hall was excavated to a depth of below street level, with the station platforms to sit below street level. This followed the completion of road-header excavation of the platform caverns at State Library in 2020.[16]

In late 2022, acoustic sheds began to be dismantled at the Town Hall and Anzac station locations in order to allow construction of above-ground station structures.[17] [18]

Design

The station will feature four entrances, the main entrance being located in City Square opposite Melbourne Town Hall, the second being located off Flinders Street, connected to Cocker Alley and Scott Alley.[19] The third entrance is located within Federation Square, with the Square's information centre demolished in 2018 to construct the new entrance.[20]

The final entrance is an underground connection to nearby Flinders Street station through the already existing Campbell Arcade connection. A number of changes were made to the design of the Campbell Arcade walkway to preserve the site's heritage character.[21]

Initially it was planned to build the station using the cut-and-cover method, however this was changed so that the tunnels would run deeper underneath the ground in order to not disturb services, utilities and businesses on Swanston Street.[22] [23]

Like State Library station, Town Hall used a unique "trinocular" construction method involved the mining of three large, overlapping tunnels with vaulted ceilings.[24] Large arches will define the 230 metre long platforms.[25] Underneath City Square, the station's main entrance features a 14-metre high concourse space.[26] Eight columns hold up a vaulted ceiling nicknamed "the crypt", an architectural reference to the nearby St Paul's Cathedral.

The station was designed by architects RSHP, Hassell and Weston Williamson.[27]

Over-site development

In December 2022, the developer Lendlease secured planning approval for the over-site development above the Flinders Street entrance to Town Hall.[28] The nine-story office and retail development will feature station entrances opening to Swanston Street, Flinders Street and rebuilt arcades connecting to Cocker Alley and Scott Alley.[29] The site is owned by the Victorian government and sits around the famous Young and Jackson Hotel and adjoins the Nicholas Building.[30]

Art and sculpture

Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer was commissioned to create a permanent artwork for Town Hall as part of the Metro Tunnel's legacy artwork program.[31] In 2024, Rail Projects Victoria stated that this commission had been cancelled due to difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic, and unlike the other stations Town Hall would not have its own artwork.[32]

A number of artworks and sculptures will be returned to the Town Hall sites once construction has finished, including the King Neptune sculpture by Melbourne artist Charles Bush. The King Neptune sculpture sat above the entrance to Port Phillip Arcade on Flinders Street, which was demolished for the station.[33] The famous statue of ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills was removed from City Square in 2017 and is planned to return to the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets after the completion of the station.[34] The John Mockridge Fountain water wall will also be returned and relocated to the northern edge of City Square along Collins Street.[35]

Town Hall station precinct

As part of the construction of Town Hall Station, the City Square precinct is set to be rebuilt as a public gathering and events space. There will be 70 new bike parking spaces built to cope with increasing demand, as well as improved tram interchanges on Flinders, Collins, and Swanston streets. A new tram connection is planned to be built as part of the Metro Tunnel, allowing trams to turn onto Flinders Street from the current tram terminus on Elizabeth Street.[36]

Station layout

GStreet levelEntrances/Exits
B1MCity Square ConcourseWalkway
B1City Square ConcourseRetail, walkway
Federation Square ConcourseWalkway
Flinders and Swanston Streets ConcourseRetail, toilets, walkway
B2City Square ConcourseRetail, toilets, walkway
Federation Square ConcourseWalkway
Flinders and Swanston Streets ConcourseConcourse, passageway to Flinders Street station, Campbell Arcade
B3City Square ConcourseConcourse, customer service
Federation Square ConcourseWalkway to platform
Flinders and Swanston Streets Concourse
B4
Platforms		Platform 1 towards →
Island platform, doors will open on the right
Platform 2← towards or
[37] [38]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: CBD stations construction plans. Metro Tunnel. Melbourne Metro Rail Authority. 21 June 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170621080010/http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/construction/cbd/constructing-cbd-stations. 21 June 2017. en-AU. live. dmy-all.
  2. Web site: Work Begins On The Melbourne Metro Rail Project Premier of Victoria . 2023-06-14 . www.premier.vic.gov.au . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420220716/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/work-begins-melbourne-metro-rail-project . live .
  3. News: Dow . Aisha . Lucas . Clay . 16 January 2017 . CBD roads to be closed for years as Melbourne Metro Tunnel construction begins . en . The Age . live . 18 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180619035724/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cbd-roads-to-be-closed-for-years-as-melbourne-metro-tunnel-construction-begins-20170116-gts2cp.html . 19 June 2018.
  4. News: Preiss . Benjamin . 3 April 2017 . City Square shuts down as work begins on Metro Tunnel . en . The Age . live . 24 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092858/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/city-square-shuts-down-as-work-begins-on-metro-tunnel-20170403-gvc90f.html . 24 June 2018.
  5. Web site: Station Construction Underway On The Metro Tunnel Premier of Victoria . 2023-06-14 . www.premier.vic.gov.au . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420220634/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/station-construction-underway-metro-tunnel . live .
  6. News: Lillebuen . Steve . 16 July 2017 . Metro Tunnel: Melbourne's changing face revealed as consortium named for $11 billion project . en . The Age . live . 24 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624092900/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-melbournes-changing-face-revealed-as-consortium-named-for-11-billion-project-20170716-gxc4yi.html . 24 June 2018.
  7. News: Steve . Lillebuen . Jacks . Timna . 29 November 2017 . Metro Tunnel: New train station names revealed . en . The Age . live . 24 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624063949/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-new-train-station-names-revealed-20171129-gzurqd.html . 24 June 2018.
  8. News: 30 May 2018 . Sweeping archways, open spaces for Melbourne's new 'landmark' stations . en-AU . ABC News . live . 30 May 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180530093536/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-30/metro-tunnel--designs-anzac-town-hall-state-library-parkville/9814890 . 30 May 2018.
  9. News: Turbet . Hanna Mills . 30 May 2018 . Melbourne Metro Tunnel station designs revealed . en . The Age . live . 24 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624063947/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-metro-tunnel-station-designs-revealed-20180530-p4zibt.html . 24 June 2018.
  10. Web site: 2018-03-02 . Demolition on Port Phillip Arcade signals start of major works on the new Town Hall station . 2023-06-14 . Urban.com.au . en . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614164733/https://www.urban.com.au/news/demolition-on-port-phillip-arcade-signals-start-of-major-works-on-the-new-town-hall-station . live .
  11. Web site: 1 September 2017 . Authorities move in on Port Phillip Arcade . 2023-06-14 . www.cbdnews.com.au . en . 26 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526013410/https://www.cbdnews.com.au/authorities-move-port-phillip-arcade/ . live .
  12. Web site: Lucas . Clay . 2017-03-01 . Artworks go, huge shed to follow, as City Square gets ready to shut in April . 2023-06-14 . The Age . en . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614151121/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/artworks-go-huge-shed-to-follow-as-city-square-gets-ready-to-shut-in-april-20170301-gunxcy.html . live .
  13. Web site: TRAFFIC CHANGES IN THE CBD . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200807120146/https://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/about-the-project/news/traffic-changes-in-the-cbd . 7 August 2020 . 25 February 2020 . en.
  14. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2021-04-14 . Tunnel boring machines Joan and Millie complete their work on the Metro Tunnel . 2023-06-14 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420194934/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/2021/two-tunnel-boring-machines-complete-their-work-on-the-metro-tunnel . live .
  15. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2021-11-03 . Town Hall Station milestone heralds final stages of excavation . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112033716/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/town-hall-station-milestone-heralds-final-stages-of-excavation . 12 January 2023 . 2023-01-12 . Victoria’s Big Build . en.
  16. Web site: State Library Station taking shape below Swanston St . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112033704/https://www.cbdnews.com.au/state-library-station-taking-shape-below-swanston-st/ . 12 January 2023 . 2023-01-12 . www.cbdnews.com.au . en.
  17. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2022-01-14 . First acoustic shed to come down as Metro Tunnel goes next level . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112033702/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/first-acoustic-shed-to-come-down-as-metro-tunnel-goes-next-level . 12 January 2023 . 2023-01-12 . Victoria’s Big Build . en.
  18. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2022-07-13 . New look for Swanston Street as tower cranes go up . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230112033704/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/new-look-for-swanston-street-as-tower-cranes-go-up . 12 January 2023 . 2023-01-12 . Victoria’s Big Build . en.
  19. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2023-06-01 . Town Hall Station design and location . 2023-06-14 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420225427/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/stations/town-hall/station-design . live .
  20. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2022-07-21 . Federation Square . 2023-06-14 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 2 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002220744/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/stations/town-hall/federation-square . dead .
  21. Web site: Heritage . 2023-05-15 . Change is afoot at Campbell Arcade . 2023-06-14 . Heritage . en . 5 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240405061522/https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/change-is-afoot-at-campbell-arcade . live .
  22. News: Willingham. Richard. Carey. Adam. Melbourne Metro rail: Tunnels to go deeper underground to keep trams running. 21 June 2017. The Age. 21 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20160625073423/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-rail-project-trams-to-keep-running-along-swanston-street-20151020-gke9tj.html. 25 June 2016. en-AU. live. dmy-all.
  23. News: Carey. Adam. Melbourne Metro to close busy city streets for up to three years, including Domain Road. 21 June 2017. The Age. 5 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170313132136/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-metro-to-close-busy-city-streets-for-up-to-three-years-including-domain-road-20151105-gkrkwi.html. 13 March 2017. en-AU. live. dmy-all.
  24. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2022-03-03 . Exploring State Library Station's trinocular design . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220517003711/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/exploring-state-library-station-trinocular-design . 17 May 2022 . 2023-01-12 . Victoria’s Big Build . en.
  25. Web site: Town Hall Station shaping as a new city landmark . 2023-06-14 . www.cbdnews.com.au . en . 26 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240326163032/https://www.cbdnews.com.au/town-hall-station-shaping-as-a-new-city-landmark/ . live .
  26. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2023-05-11 . Work on Town Hall Station powers ahead under City Square . 2023-06-14 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614144342/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/work-on-new-station-powers-ahead-under-city-square . live .
  27. Web site: 10 August 2021 . Updated Melbourne Metro Tunnel station design unveiled . Architecture Australia . 3 June 2024 . 17 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230417073229/https://architectureau.com/articles/updated-melbourne-metro-tunnel-station-design-unveiled/ . live .
  28. Web site: Nicholson . Marisa Wikramanayake,Ralph . 2022-12-07 . Lendlease Wins Approval for Melbourne Metro Tower . 2023-06-14 . The Urban Developer . en . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614035933/https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/5-25-swanston-street-melbourne-lendlease-cbd-south-metro-office-tower . live .
  29. Web site: Nicholson . Marisa Wikramanayake,Ralph . 2022-12-07 . Lendlease Wins Approval for Melbourne Metro Tower . 2023-06-14 . The Urban Developer . en . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614035933/https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/5-25-swanston-street-melbourne-lendlease-cbd-south-metro-office-tower . live .
  30. Web site: Council endorses tower above a future Metro station at famous intersection . 2023-06-14 . www.cbdnews.com.au . en . 3 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240603064737/https://www.cbdnews.com.au/council-endorses-tower-above-a-future-metro-station-at-famous-intersection/ . live .
  31. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2023-05-31 . Rafael Lozano-Hemmer – Town Hall Station . 2023-06-14 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 2 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231002204623/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/community/art/legacy-artwork/station-artworks/rafael-lozano-hemmer . live .
  32. Web site: Build . Victoria’s Big . 2024-02-05 . Station artworks FAQ . 2024-02-10 . Victoria’s Big Build . en . 20 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240420194511/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/community/art/legacy-artwork/station-artworks/station-artworks-faq . live .
  33. Web site: 8 April 2018 . 24-hour construction starting in CBD . 2023-06-14 . www.cbdnews.com.au . en . 3 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240603064653/https://www.cbdnews.com.au/24-hour-construction-starting-in-cbd/ . live .
  34. News: 2017-04-09 . Melbourne's oldest public statue removed from display . ABC News . 2023-06-14 . 14 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230614063750/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-10/burke-and-wills-statue-in-melbourne-relocated-for-metro-tunnel/8428766 . live .
  35. Web site: 3 August 2022 . CBD South Precinct Development Plan . Metro Tunnel Authority: Cross Yarra Partnership . 3 June 2024 . 26 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226175000/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/729255/MT-TH-CBD-South-Development-Plan-2022.pdf . live .
  36. Web site: Metro Tunnel To Transform Melbourne's Tram Network Premier of Victoria . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230317231036/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/metro-tunnel-transform-melbournes-tram-network . 17 March 2023 . 2023-03-17 . www.premier.vic.gov.au . en.
  37. Web site: Network Development Plan. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211210015222/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/PTV_Network-Development-Plan_Metropolitan-Rail_2016update.pdf . 10 December 2021 .
  38. Web site: CBD South Precinct Development Plan Appendix B: Architectural Plans . Big Build Victoria . Rail Projects Victoria . 5 May 2023 . 5 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230505081826/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/729254/MT-TH-CBD-South-Development-Plan-2022-Appendix-B.pdf . live .

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