12 Major Projects Victoria news articles listed.

• 2013-04-23 - Final stage of Flinders Street Station design competition to begin
  
  The second and final stage of the Flinders Street Station Design Competition will begin tomorrow, Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett announced today.
  
  Speaking during a tour of the station’s historic administration building, Mr Hodgett said the second and final stage of the competition would see the six shortlisted competitors work up final detailed designs before submitting their vision for the Melbourne icon in July.
  
  “With a shortlist representing some of the best local and international architects, the anticipation and excitement about the competition is really building,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  “I am also happy to announce details of the voting system for the People’s Choice Award which will be a unique opportunity for the public to be involved in the competition.
  
  “We want the People’s Choice Award to be more than just a beauty competition where people vote for what they think looks best based on artists’ impressions.
  
  “Instead, we will be providing people with the same material that the jury receives and asking them to rate various aspects of the designs using similar criteria.
  
  “The public will be encouraged to think about all aspects of the designs and give a considered response in keeping with the holistic nature of the competition.”
  
  Mr Hodgett said the public would assess each shortlisted entry using the following categories:
  - Overall design – the architectural, aesthetic and functional merit of the design
  - Transport function – does the design improve the way the station works and allow for future growth?
  - Heritage – how does the design work with the heritage features of the station?
  - Urban Design and Precinct Integration – how does the design enhance the station’s public areas, create new public spaces and improve its integration with its surrounds?
  
  Voters will also be asked to provide comments on the designs.
  
  “Although the Australian Institute of Architects design competition guidelines do not allow for the People’s Choice vote to be considered by the jury, the information we gather will inform future plans for the station, such as those for refining or developing the winning design,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  “While it will be particularly promoted in Victoria through online voting and portable voting booths located in the precinct, the People’s Choice will be open internationally, allowing the many people overseas who are interested in the station and the competition to offer their feedback.
  
  “This unique system will provide us with some very useful and interesting data. For example, it will be interesting to see if Victorians prefer the same designs as international voters or what aspects of the design are seen as the most important to people.
  
  “This level of public engagement is the first of its kind. To have a People’s Choice vote in an architectural competition is only fitting giving the importance of Flinders Street Station.
  
  “We want everyone to have their say on the future of the station precinct,” Mr Hodgett said.
  
  The six finalists for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition, selected from 117 entries, are:
  
  Ashton Raggatt McDougall (Melbourne)
  John Wardle Architects + Grimshaw (Melbourne and UK)
  HASSELL + Herzog & de Meuron (Melbourne and Switzerland)
  NH Architecture (Melbourne)
  Eduardo Velasquez + Manuel Pineda + Santiago Medina (Colombia via University of Melbourne) and,
  Zaha Hadid Architecture & BVN Architecture (UK and Melbourne) 
• 2012-10-14 - Fantastic mix of national and international talent shortlisted for Flinders Street Station Design Competition
  
  

  The shortlisted architects for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition represent a fantastic mix of local and international talent, the Minister for Major Projects Dr Denis Napthine announced today.
  
  “This competition has always been about finding the best local and international talent to re-invigorate Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station precinct and looking at this shortlist I think we’ve managed to do that,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  The shortlisted designers are: (listed in order of registration)
  

  • Ashton Raggatt McDougall (Melbourne)
  • John Wardle Architects + Grimshaw (Australia and UK)
  • HASSELL + Herzog & de Meuron (Melbourne and Switzerland)
  • NH Architecture (Melbourne)
  • Eduardo Velasquez + Manuel Pineda + Santiago Medina (Colombia via University of Melbourne)
  • Zaha Hadid Architecture & BVN Architecture (UK and Melbourne)

  “The short list covers some of the world’s best architects such as Hassell + Herzog & De Meuron and Zaha Hadid, renowned local firms Ashton Raggatt McDougall and NH Archtiecture and emerging talents Eduardo Velasquez, Manuel Pineda and Santiago Medina from Columbia.
  
  “Between them, this group is responsible for some of Melbourne and the world’s most renowned buildings including Hamer Hall, Beijing’s National Stadium used in the 2008 Olympics and Rome’s Museum of XXI Century Arts.
  
  “Judging from their previous work this is a very exciting group of architects and I am looking forward to finding out more about their visions for the Flinders Street Station precinct.
  
  “The shortlisted entrants now have six months to develop their ideas and attend various technical briefings and workshops before Stage 2 of the competition closes on 4 July 2013.
  
  “Following this, final designs will be put on public display for the people’s choice voting while the competition jury meets again to select a winner,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  Competition jury chair and Victorian State Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London said the jury was impressed by the immense amount of work undertaken by the 117 submitting teams.
  
  “Given the complexity and scale of the design challenge, the high overall quality of submissions made the jury’s task of short-listing a difficult one,” Professor London said.
  
  “However after carefully applying the competition evaluation criteria, the jury is confident that the six short-listed teams represent the strongest propositions for the redevelopment of this precinct, much-loved Melbourne icon and intensely used transport hub.
  
  “The jury looks forward, with great anticipation, to see how each of the six Stage 1 design concepts evolves over the months ahead,” Professor London said.
  
  

  Read more on the shortlisted designers
  

• 2012-10-02 - 118 entries for Flinders Street Design Competition
  118 entries for Flinders Street Design Competition

  A total of 118 designs have been lodged for the Victorian Coalition Government’s Flinders Street Station International Design Competition with Stage 1 entries closing last Thursday. 

  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said the high number of entries was a great outcome and the Coalition Government was delighted with the response from Australian and international architects and designers. 

  “The Flinders Street Station precinct is home to a heritage icon as well as Melbourne’s busiest railway station. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of innovative ideas have been put forward for restoring the much loved administration building and addressing the surrounding precinct,” Dr Napthine said. 

  “In order to maintain the highest level of fairness throughout the deliberation process, all entries must be delivered anonymously to the competition jury. This means we are unable to reveal any further details regarding the entrants until a shortlist is announced in mid-October. 

  “However, preliminary statistics on the number of registrations prior to the opening of stage 1 indicate that the competition has a broad appeal both domestically and internationally. 

  “The number of registrations was tremendous with 128 from Australia and 45 from overseas. This is a fantastic result given the complexity of the project which requires skills in architecture, urban design, heritage, construction and transport engineering. 

  “With 173 registering their interest in the competition, to receive 118 final entries is a great result by architectural design competition standards and reflects a high level of commitment,” Dr Napthine said. 

  The majority of registrations have come from Victorian based architects who make up 82 per cent of the Australian contingent.  

  Of the international registrations, 20 per cent are from the United Kingdom, 13 per cent are from the United States with Italy being the next largest group at 11 per cent. A further 25 registrations came from a range of countries such as Austria, Canada, China, Germany and South Africa. 

  “With Stage 1 entries now closed we now move into a new and exciting phase of the process as the expert competition jury assesses the entries ahead of announcing a shortlist in mid-October,” Dr Napthine said. 

  Dr Napthine said the expert competition jury would evaluate submissions against criteria based on the competition objectives including:

  • returning the station to its former glory and re-using under-utilised areas;
  • restoring and protecting the station’s heritage;
  • improving the transport function of the station, catering for future growth;
  • creating a significant civic space while allowing for a distinctive and memorable architectural outcome with a mix of uses;
  • better integrating the station with its surrounding precincts; and
  • providing a value-for-money solution.

  “The jury will be looking for outstanding ideas that address the whole 4.7 hectare precinct including the administration building, the platform areas, the concourse and the rail yards to the west. 

  “While improving conditions for commuters is one priority, competitors have also been asked to focus on how address the needs of the entire precinct,” Dr Napthine said. 
• 2012-08-01 - Registrations have closed
  Registrations for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition closed 2pm AEST, 1 August 2012.
• 2012-07-24 - Strong international interest in Flinders Street Station Design Competition

  With less than two weeks before the close of registrations, internet statistics have revealed strong interest in the Flinders Street Station Design Competition around the world, the Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine said today. 

  “Between the opening of registrations on 29 June and 17 July, the Flinders Street Station Design Competition web page has had more than 31,000 page views,” Dr Napthine said.

  “The competition Design Brief has been downloaded nearly 3,000 times while more than 1,300 people have downloaded the registration form.

  “The majority of visits to date have come from Australia (4,691) followed by the United States (601), the United Kingdom (424), Spain (180), Germany (161), Italy (136), France (122), China (109), Canada (97) and Poland (95).

  “The bulk of visits are from within Australia where the building has the most interest, but we can assume that most of the people visiting from overseas are doing so because they are considering entering the competition,” Dr Napthine said.

  Dr Napthine said although the exact number of registrations cannot be revealed for probity reasons the Victorian Coalition Government was delighted with the response so far.

  “Our aim was to run a competition with international appeal and I think on the basis of these statistics we can say we are well on our way to achieving that goal,” Dr Napthine said.

  By making the first stage one where broad design concepts are called for, the competition is made more accessible to a wider range of designers.

  “Architectural competitions are a great way for new and emerging architects to get exposure so I am hoping that the high profile of the competition, the significant prize pool and the outstanding international jury will encourage them to sign up,” Dr Napthine said.

  Registrations close at 2pm (AEST) on Wednesday 1 August with Stage 1 submissions due by Thursday 20 September 2012. 
• 2012-06-29 - Judging Panel for Flinders Street Station Design Competition announced

  A jury of prominent people, including MasterChef star George Calombaris and
  international urban planning expert Caroline Bos, have been appointed to
  judge the Flinders Street Station Design Competition.
  
  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine today announced the members of
  the jury along with the opening of registrations for the prestigious
  international design competition.
  
  “I am delighted with the depth and range of qualifications and experience
  we have on this jury,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “I am confident they will select a winning design that will preserve what
  we already love about Flinders Street Station and further realise the
  site’s unique potential.”
  
  The Flinders Street Station Design Competition jury includes:
  

  • Victorian Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London (jury chair)
  • Renowned urban planner Professor Rob Adams
  • Internationally acclaimed urban planner Caroline Bos
  • Restaurateur and television presenter George Calombaris
  • Lawyer with expertise in property and infrastructure John Curtis
  • Award winning Melbourne-based architect Cassandra Fahey
  • Heritage architecture expert Peter Lovell
  • Transport expert Gillian Miles                                     
    

  “We have worked hard to get the right mix of jurors to cover off the key
  objectives of the competition: preserving the station’s heritage features;
  improving its transport function; integrating the station with its
  surrounds; and developing its underutilised areas,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “The jury will evaluate all entries to choose the best ideas to upgrade,
  restore and re-invigorate this iconic building and fully explore the
  opportunities the whole precinct presents.
  
  “The Victorian Coalition Government wants to attract the best and brightest
  ideas from across the globe and this jury will help us do that,” Dr
  Napthine said.
  
  Dr Napthine said registrations for the competition would open today and
  close on August 1, while applicants could begin submitting their initial
  designs from August 9.
  
  “This is an open competition and anyone who is interested can access the
  registration documents on Major Projects Victoria’s web site at
  www.mpv.vic.gov.au, ” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “For the first stage of the competition we are calling for broad,
  conceptual designs. The jury will then meet in October to evaluate these
  submissions.
  
  “The next stage will see shortlisted applicants develop their ideas in
  detail with the final submissions due midway through 2013.
  
  Dr Napthine said the Victorian public would also have an opportunity to
  provide feedback on the final shortlisted designs.
  
  “This will be in the form of a People’s Choice Award vote. The Coalition
  Government wants to give all Victorians a chance to have their say on the
  future of the station precinct,” Dr Napthine said.
  
  “We are calling for the most creative and innovative ideas to re-imagine
  this iconic building and the entire precinct around it. Some of these
  designs may challenge us and I think we will need to have an open mind to
  fully appreciate the opportunities the competition presents,” Dr Napthine
  said.
  
  The key competition dates are:
  

  •  Registration period: Friday 29 June to Wednesday 1 August 2012.

  • Stage 1 of the competition: Thursday 9 August to Thursday 20 September 2012 – followed by assessment and short listing.

  • Stage 2 of the competition: Tuesday 23 April 2013 to Thursday 4 July 2013 – this stage will be preceded by technical briefings and workshops for short listed entrants.

  • People’s Choice Award: After the completion of Stage 2, short listed entries will be made available for a public vote.

  • The winning design, place-getters and people’s choice award will be announced later in 2013.

   
  

   

• 2012-03-26 - Key objectives for Flinders Street Station revealed

  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine today revealed the Victorian Coalition Government’s vision for a potential revamp of Flinders Street Station precinct with the release of the design competition’s Statement of Key Objectives document.
  

  Dr Napthine said the document would give prospective applicants to the Flinders Street Design Competition a better understanding of what the Coalition Government wanted addressed through the design process.
  

  “Flinders Street Station is not only a Victorian icon and an important part of our history and culture; it is also one of the busiest commuter stations in the world,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  “This is why the Coalition Government wants to attract the best and brightest from Victoria and around the globe to submit their ideas for this exciting design competition.
  

  “Already we aware of a number of individuals and architectural firms that are following this competition with keen interest and this document will help those thinking of submitting an entry to begin preparing their design ideas.
  

  “Flinders Street Station has served as our main passenger railway station for more than 100 years. However as Victoria has grown, a number of new challenges have emerged for the station and its surrounds,” Dr Napthine said.

  Dr Napthine said these challenges include addressing:
  

  • the expected doubling of transport patronage in the next decade and the need to accommodate the new underground metro rail line planned for central Melbourne;
  • poor integration with surrounding precincts such as Federation Square and the south bank of the Yarra River;
  • the urgent need to restore areas of this heritage-listed building including the grand ballroom to make this magnificent asset more accessible to the public; and
  • the under-utilisation of the western end of the site and potential for new buildings and spaces.

  “The Coalition Government is looking for the world’s best ideas to upgrade, restore and re-invigorate the Flinders Street Station precinct in order to resolve these issues,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  “When entries open in mid-2012, we expect that the prize pool of $1 million will attract the very best ideas from across the globe to fully explore the potential of this Melbourne landmark and its precinct.”
  

  View the Flinders Street Station Design Competition Statement of Key Objectives document
  

• 2012-02-14 - CityLab appointed as Competition Adviser for Flinders Street Station Design Competition

   

   

  Former Architectural Review Editor-in-Chief Andrew Mackenzie of CityLab has been appointed as the Competition Adviser for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition.
  
  Mr Mackenzie has worked in the architectural industry for 20 years both in Australia and England as an architectural curator, commentator, editor, publisher and design competition consultant.
  
  During his nine year tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Review Australia Andrew established a new ‘ideas’ competition programme called Proposition, working across government and commercial sectors to explore architectural opportunity within challenging sites in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.
   
  Leaving magazine publishing in 2011 Andrew established CityLab to assist in the delivery of design competitions that are both creatively ambitious and strategically effective. Clients include Brisbane Airport Corporation, Waterfront Auckland and the Integrated Design Commission SA.
  
  The Competition Adviser acts as an impartial intermediary between the State, the competition jury, the Project Steering Committee and the architectural profession represented by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA). Impartiality and anonymity are important components to this competition and as such CityLab, as an independent consultancy, will be responsible for the objectivity and integrity of the process, to ensure that the interests of all participants are appropriately protected.
  
  More specifically, the Competition Adviser is responsible for managing activities associated with competitor and jury processes including:
  

  • assist in the preparation of the design brief and ensure that it comprehensively reflects the specific requirements of the project
  • assist in the resolution of the competition process
  • prepare and finalise the competition conditions
  • secure AIA endorsement of the competition
  • act as sole point of contact with potential and registered competitors throughout the competition and protect the anonymity of the submissions
  • manage all correspondence with competitors, including the delivery of competition information, questions and answers, and receipt of entries
  • in conjunction with the jury chair, perform the role of primary intermediary between the jury and the State’s project team
  • prepare the jury reports at the end of stage 1 and stage 2
  • assist in preparation of media releases relating to competitor and jury processes.
    

  The Competition Adviser will work closely with the Probity Adviser, Anne Dalton & Associates and the Legal Adviser.
  
  The Competition Adviser was appointed on 31 January 2012.
  
  General enquiries regarding the Flinders Street Station Design Competition are to be directed to Major Projects Victoria via email info@mpv.vic.gov.au or phone +61 3 9655 8622.
   
• 2012-02-07 - Land Surveyor appointed for Flinders Street Station Design Competition

  Vekta has been appointed as the Land Surveyor for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition.
  
  The Land Surveyor will undertake the necessary additional field survey work to fill any gaps in existing data sets of the site, verify the integrity and accuracy of existing data sources and extract the necessary existing condition feature survey data that competitors will require.  
  
  The data will be provided to registered competitors in operable form (AutoCAD.dwg format) as a 3D wireframe and also in more traditional drawing sheet form (digital format, Adobe.pdf) with plan, section and elevation representations.
  
  Vekta are specialist land, engineering and aerial surveyors, providing spatial and surveying solutions to major national and international projects, consulting to a broad range of industries including property development, construction, mining, infrastructure and various levels of
  government. 

  Vekta will use the latest technologies, including Terrestrial Laser Scanning and have a proven track record in working within rail environments.
  
  The Land Surveyor was appointed on 24 January 2012.
  
  

• 2012-02-01 - Probity Auditor appointed for Flinders St Station Design Competition

  Pitcher Partners has been appointed as the Probity Auditor for the Flinders Street Station Design Competition.
  
  The role of the Probity Auditor is to maintain a good understanding of the competition activities in order to monitor and verify the adequacy of procedures and processes from a probity perspective.
  
  The Probity Auditor will work with the project team and project steering committee to oversee the activities of the Probity Advisor and Competition Advisor, review key documents and ensure the competition is carried out in accordance with generally accepted probity standards.
  
  The Pitcher Partners probity team comprises Geoff Walsh and Elizabeth Powis. Geoff is a highly experienced Probity Practitioner and long standing member of the Victorian Government Probity Practitioners Panel. He has been engaged on numerous significant Victorian projects to act as probity advisor and/or auditor. Elizabeth has a Masters of Accounting and has been assisting Geoff on probity engagements for 18 months.

  The Probity Auditor was appointed on 23 January 2012.