News

• 2007-06-23 - Southern Cross Station wins top international award

  Melbourne’s own Southern Cross Station has won Britain’s highest international award at the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards in London last night.

  Southern Cross Station was awarded the Lubetkin Prize for the most outstanding building outside the European Union.

  Southern Cross Station was also awarded the RIBA International Award.

  Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky, congratulated Grimshaw Architects for designing such a unique transport hub that successfully links the CBD with the Docklands.

  “Southern Cross Station is a new civic landmark for Melbourne and the Bracks Government is delighted that the ground breaking work has been officially recognised overseas,” Ms Kosky said.

  The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and are given to buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment.

  Over 500 projects across the world entered the 2007 RIBA Awards.

  “This international acclaim is a result of many parties working together to lift Melbourne’s profile and improve the travelling experience for all Victorians,” Ms Kosky said.

  “The facility incorporates all that is Melbourne – innovation, style and progress.

  “You just have to take a look at Southern Cross Station to appreciate the complexity of the cutting edge design and construction of the building.

  “This transport hub is one of the most challenging architectural feats Australia has ever seen and it is satisfying to see Victoria leading the nation in the development of world class projects.”

  Ms Kosky said the Southern Cross Station project was enjoying growing international interest across architecture, construction and project delivery industries.

  Southern Cross Station has also collected the Australian Construction Achievement Award 2007, three of the top awards at the Australian Steel Institute 2006 Vic/Tas Steel Awards: the Architectural Steel Design Award, the Steel Fabricators Award and the Steel Detailers Award, and the Victorian Industry Capability Network’s Industry Achievement Award.

   

• 2004-01-30 - Spencer Street wave roof rolls into Melbourne

  The first massive section of the innovative waveform roof for the new Spencer Street Station – to be renamed Southern Cross Station – will arrive in Melbourne today.

  The Minister for Major Projects, Peter Batchelor, said the 25 tonne first section, known as a spine truss, would arrive by barge from Geelong.

  “This is the first of 54 sections that will be transported from Geelong to Melbourne throughout the year. Its arrival marks a high point in the precinct’s $700 million redevelopment,” Mr Batchelor said.

  Due for completion in mid-2005, the new wave roof will create two Australian firsts – the first wave structure to be built and, once complete, the largest undercover concourse in the country.

  The design allows the roof to filter train fumes from the building without the use of industrial fans and promotes natural air flows.

  “While the wave roof concept is a first for Australia, its functionality has been widely acclaimed throughout Europe and Asia where it features in several major buildings,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “Once in Melbourne, transporting the newly arrived roof section from its arrival point at the Port of Melbourne to the Spencer Street construction site poses another logistical challenge.

  “Over the coming week it will be moved, in the middle of the night, to a pre-assembly centre on Wurrundjeri Way at Docklands,” he said.

  “Once at the assembly centre, the section will be fitted with guttering, electrical wiring, lights and other components before being fitted into place above the platforms.”

  Mr Batchelor said experienced engineers would be responsible for lifting the section into place.

  “As with most major works at the station site, every roof section will be lifted into place after the last train for the day has run, ensuring passengers are not disrupted.”

  The project is being delivered as a public private partnership with the Civic Nexus consortium, lead and financed by ABN AMRO Australia. Design and construction is being undertaken by consortium member, Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd.

  The Civic Nexus consortium also has plans for the development of office accommodation, residential and hotel developments, and a recently announced retail plaza on the site.

  The Spencer Street Station Redevelopment is part of the Bracks Government’s $5 billion Linking Victoria programme.

  
   

• 2003-12-06 - Victoria gets first glimpse inside Spencer Street Station redevelopment

  Victoria got its first glimpse inside the $700 million project to transform the Spencer Street Station precinct today, and according to the Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor, the view couldn't have been more impressive

  “When the first ground was broken here just over a year ago, this redevelopment was tipped to change the face of Melbourne. Today that vision is becoming a reality,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “The new Collins Street concourse is taking shape, the first columns to support the new wave roof are in place and most foundation works are complete.”

  Work already undertaken on the project includes:

  • 584,732 hours worked;
  • 1400m3 concrete poured on the Collins Street concourse;
  • 390 tonne of steel erected for the Collins Street concourse;
  • 470 of 566 piles, which form part of the foundations, installed; and
  • Nine of 29 roof columns installed

  Mr Batchelor said the milestones reached during 2003 meant the redevelopment team was well positioned for the challenges ahead during 2004.

  “Next year, the first roof sections, some of which weigh 27 tonne, will arrive by barge from Geelong where they are currently being built,” he said.

  “The opening of the new Collins Street concourse mid next year will result in easier access to services for all station users.”

  Mr Batchelor said once completed in mid-2005, the station would facilitate easy transfers between rail, coach, tram and taxi services.

  “The station will include the largest undercover concourse in the country and will be safe, comfortable and easy to use,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “The new Southern Cross station will revitalise the western end of the CBD and become one of the State's great civic landmarks.”

  The project is being delivered as a public private partnership with the Civic Nexus consortium, which is lead and financed by ABN AMRO Australia. Design and construction is being undertaken by consortium member, Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd.

  The Civic Nexus consortium also has plans for the development of office accommodation, residential and hotel developments, and the recently announced retail plaza on the site bringing the total cost of the development for the precinct to $700 million.

  The Spencer Street Station Redevelopment is part of the Bracks Government’s $5 billion Linking Victoria programme.

• 2003-11-19 - Spencer Street Station retail development

  The redeveloped Spencer Street Station will lead a retail revival of Melbourne’s West End, the Premier, Steve Bracks, said today.

  Mr Bracks said a $200 million deal between Civic Nexus and Austexx would allow for more than 120 shops in the Spencer Street precinct.

  The partnership between Civic Nexus, the Government’s private partner consortium in the project, and Austexx, the company behind the Direct Factory Outlet chains, is one of the biggest retail investments seen in the CBD.

  Mr Bracks said the development was a ringing endorsement of the Government’s vision for a world-class public-private partnership project linking the Docklands and the CBD.

  “This significant investment in the biggest railway station redevelopment in Australia will provide many of the major brands in fashion and home wares all under the one roof,” he said.

  “Hot on the heels of the Mercedes Melbourne Fashion Week, this deal is further evidence of Melbourne’s position as Australia’s capital of fashion and shopping and adds to the revitalisation of the city’s West End.”

  Mr Bracks announced details of the deal while visiting Spencer Street Station, currently undergoing a $700 million redevelopment that will see it renamed Southern Cross Station when completed in mid 2005.

  Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) has acquired 23,000 square metres of floorspace from Civic Nexus on a single level on Spencer Street above the new bus interchange and car park.

  This area is immediately north of what will be the new station concourse on the corner of Spencer and Bourke streets.

  DFO has also acquired 4,000 square metres of new retail space for a supermarket at ground level on Spencer Street, just north of the Lonsdale Street intersection.

  “The Government is particularly pleased with this investment as it will also ensure an earlier delivery of the major retail component within the Spencer Street Station redevelopment, by late 2005,” Mr Bracks said.

  “It will provide the essential retail complement to the residential and commercial development of Melbourne’s harbour region. It will be the new heart of Melbourne’s West End.

  “The deal is also great news for regional Victorians, as it will provide a convenient opportunity to travel to Melbourne on new Fast Rail trains, and enjoy a day’s shopping all within the fully enclosed station precinct.”

  Civic Nexus Project Director, John O’Rourke, said the retail centre would deliver a quality redevelopment, fitting in with the remarkable architecture of the Grimshaw-Jackson designed station hall.

  “The new centre creates a greater vibrancy for the precinct with significantly increased traffic flows forecast to use the public transport, food and beverage and convenience retail outlets planned for the station,” Mr O’Rourke said.

  “Austexx has engaged the builder of the station and Civic Nexus consortium member, Leighton Contractors, to construct the retail precinct and expanded car park.

  “With Leighton already on site, works will start immediately on the retail centre, enabling a fast track to completion in late 2005.

  “The project ensures the Spencer Street Station redevelopment will become a major retail and transport hub - a key step in achieving its aim to be a place for all Victorians to live, work, eat and shop.”

   

• 2003-09-12 - Commuter care a priority at Spencer Street Station

  Additional customer assistance will be available at Spencer Street Station during redevelopment works which are underway to transform the station into an airport-style transport interchange the Minister for Major Projects, Peter Batchelor, said today.

  “Extensive works are taking place to upgrade the terminal and platforms to create a seamless multimodal interchange for travellers using metropolitan, intrastate and interstate rail and coach services,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “While construction is underway, trains and buses will still use Spencer Street Station, allowing commuters to witness first-hand the exciting transformation as it takes shape.

  “There will be some disruptions and changes to the normal timetable, with platforms to be temporarily closed and restrictions placed on services during key times in the construction program.

  “However, informing station users about any changes and advising of temporary arrangements is a priority.

  To assist with this, a team of customer service officers, easily identifiable in their light blue fluorescent vests, are on hand to assist.”

  Mr Batchelor said the team of almost 20 customer service officers could help customers with directions, hailing taxis, or any other help needed to get them to their destination.

  “The customer service team has also been trained by the City of Melbourne and Tourism Victoria to guide commuters to places of interest across the state,” he said.

  “This means that while customer service operators are guiding people to where to catch the train to Bendigo, they can also pass on advice about what to do, and where to visit once they arrive.”

  Mr Batchelor said several buggies would also be available to assist the frail, aged, or mobility impaired in getting to where they need to go at the Station.

  “This is a fantastic additional service that will be in place for the duration of the construction works,” he said.

  “Recent changes to the station have seen the opening of a temporary coach facility and the partial closure of platforms 3 and 4, with the customer service team playing a key role in helping familiarising travellers with the new arrangements.”

  The $350 million redevelopment of Spencer Street Station transport facility being undertaken by the Civic Nexus consortium in partnership with the Victorian Government, is the State’s biggest public/private partnership.

  The redeveloped transport facility is due for completion by mid-2005 and will be renamed Southern Cross Station.

  Customers who require special assistance should contact the Station’s Disability Services number on 9619 2300, or go to the Customer Service Desks in either the temporary coach facility or on the ground floor of the main station building.

   

• 2003-05-11 - Spencer Street Station redevelopment on display

  A Public Display Gallery showcasing the $700 million Spencer Street Station Redevelopment was opened today by Transport Minister Peter Batchelor.

  Mr Batchelor was joined by project ambassador, Olympian Steve Moneghetti, in launching the Display Gallery which will now be open to all the public for viewing on level 1 of Spencer Street Station.

  Showcasing the major transformation unfolding on site, the Display Gallery features a video presentation of the future vision for Melbourne’s most important public transport hub, a model of the redeveloped Spencer Street Station and artist’s impressions of the new interchange facility.

  “The opening of the Public Display Gallery is an important milestone along the road to the realisation of this landmark project,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “Southern Cross Station, as it will be known upon completion in mid-2005, is the centrepiece of the Government’s vision for a modern, integrated transport system that will deliver world-class transport services for Victorians.

  “The Display Gallery will give people a feel for the scale of the project and the new station’s stylish and functional design that will offer new levels of efficiency, comfort, convenience and safety for passengers.

  “I invite all Victorians, particularly regular transport users passing through, to visit the Gallery and share in the sense of excitement and anticipation felt by everyone working on the delivery of the new station.”

  The Spencer Street Station Redevelopment is being undertaken by the Civic Nexus consortium in partnership with the Victorian Government and is Victoria’s biggest public private partnership.

  Project ambassador Steve Moneghetti said the Gallery, which is open seven days a week, provided an excellent opportunity for regional visitors travelling through Spencer Street Station to learn more about the redevelopment.

  “Having a permanent facility open every day on site means that regional Victorians can easily access a range of information about the project while they are in town,” Mr Moneghetti said.

  “Regional Victorians will not only benefit from arriving in Melbourne’s first real central station, but they will travel on the new fast trains that will run between the new Southern Cross Station and the regional centres of Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.”

  In addition to detailing the new transport interchange, valued at $350 million, the Display Gallery also includes information about the proposed office and residential buildings, and a retail plaza, which will add valuable services to the Docklands and breathe new life into the western edge of the CBD.

  The Public Display Gallery is located on Level One of the Spencer Street Station building and is open seven days a week. Entry is free.

   

• 2002-10-03 - Work starts on landmark Spencer Street Station redevelopment

  Work on Australia’s biggest railway station development - the $700 million redevelopment of the Spencer Street Station precinct – officially started today.

  Launching the start of works with Transport Minister Peter Batchelor, Premier Steve Bracks said the landmark project would turn a rundown station into a vibrant new transport, business, retail and residential precinct.

  “Southern Cross Station will be one of the world’s truly great stations,” Mr Bracks said. “Since the arrival of rail in the colonial era, Melbourne has been on a promise to have a major landmark station built on this site - today’s work marks the start of fulfilling that promise.”

  Construction will include a retail plaza and three office and residential apartments, as part of a massive commercial redevelopment of the precinct.

  Mr Bracks broke the ground at the site with a jackhammer, watched by Olympic champion and Ballarat resident, Steve Moneghetti, the project’s regional ambassador.

  Mr Moneghetti said regional communities should recognise the importance of the Spencer Street redevelopment.

  “I am looking forward to arriving with a sense of occasion in a grand railway hall rather than the rundown and outdated facility that exists today,” he said.

  “I use the train from Ballarat to Melbourne regularly – and I will be encouraging others to use what will be a vastly improved rail system.”

  Mr Bracks said the vast light-filled hall that would span the rail tracks would link the CBD with the emerging Docklands waterfront development.

  “Southern Cross Station is a key component of our strategy to breathe new life into the western edge of the city and deliver world-class transport services for Victorians.

  “This new facility is the centrepiece of the Government’s vision for a modern, integrated transport system, including faster and better rail links to country Victoria.

  “It will provide a seamless interchange between the suburban network and the country trains, as well as integrating bus, tram and taxis services.”

  Leighton Constructors will build the new $350 million station for the Civic Nexus consortium, with the state to pay Civic Nexus $300 million (Net Present Value).

  Civic Nexus is led by financier’s ABN AMRO and the redevelopment has been designed by world-renowned Australian architect Daryl Jackson and UK-based architect Nicholas Grimshaw.

  Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said the new Southern Cross Station and related development would create 4,000 jobs during its three-year construction and cater for a threefold increase in passenger numbers.

  “On average, the Spencer Street Station presently handles 55,000 commuters per day or 15 million passengers a year,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “The new station is designed to meet future growth of rail services and the travel needs of 45 million passengers a year.

  “As part of that growth, the new station will service the Fast Rail Links to regional Victoria, creating greater commercial and tourism opportunities around the State.

  “When complete, the stylish and functional design will deliver a grand station hall that will offer passengers comfort, convenience and safety.”

  The redevelopment is a key component of the Linking Victoria $3.5 billion policy to revitalise transport infrastructure in Victoria in partnership with the private sector.

  Features of the station include:

  • An open design with vast, light-filled spaces, and all glass street frontage on to the Collins Street extension and Spencer Street;
  • A 30-bay bus station accommodating terminating and transiting coaches and buses, and providing ticketing facilities and waiting areas for passengers;
  • An innovative ‘wave roof’ design spanning across all platforms;
  • Links to Docklands via the Collins and Bourke Street alignments, with direct access to these bridges from all platforms;
  • In addition to the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge, a new footbridge will link Lonsdale Street with Colonial Stadium and connect with a retail plaza;
  • Fully sheltered, high-quality waiting areas, equipped with comfortable seating, lighting, heating and air-conditioning and providing access to toilets, telephones, passenger information displays, catering facilities and other retail outlets.

  Bob Merkenhof, Managing Director of Leighton Contractors, also joined the Premier and the Minister.

  He said he was confident his company could successfully deliver the project within the timelines and without disrupting rail services. The station is due to be completed by 2005.

  “Leighton Contractors has an excellent track record of successfully completing major infrastructure projects around Australia,” said Mr Merkenhof.

  “Southern Cross Station is a unique project but Leighton’s 50-year history and the company’s recent construction work on Brisbane’s Inner City Bypass and Sydney’s Olympic Park rail loop and station have prepared us for the job.”

• 2002-07-02 - Southern Cross Station to change the face of Melbourne

  A $700 million public/private partnership to redevelop the Spencer Street Station precinct – including a new world-class railway station – is set to change the face of Melbourne, Premier Steve Bracks announced today.

  Launching the landmark transport and urban development project, Mr Bracks said it would create 4000 jobs and become the new gateway to Docklands.

  Mr Bracks said the centrepiece of the project would be a new $350 million railway station, to be renamed Southern Cross Station, which would deliver world-class services to the 15 million customers who used the station each year.

  Also included in the winning tender is the construction of a retail plaza and three office and apartment towers as part of a massive commercial redevelopment of the precinct.

  “This exciting project will breathe new life into the city and provide a long overdue facelift for its western edge, which most Victorians regard as an embarrassing eyesore,” Mr Bracks said.

  “The spectacular design of the new station, with full glass street frontage on to Spencer St and the new Collins Street extension, will ensure the station becomes a new civic landmark for Victoria.”

  Mr Bracks named the winning consortium as Civic Nexus. Members of the consortium are: ABN Amro, who led and financed the proposal; Leighton Contractors, who will build the new station; and world renowned Australian architect Daryl Jackson and UK-based architect Nicholas Grimshaw.

  Civic Nexus will:

  • Construct a new transport interchange, worth $350 million, including associated track and signalling works.
  • Maintain and operate the new railway station for the next 30 years, with total costs of approximately $100 million.

  In return, the State will pay Civic Nexus $300 million through regular payments over the next 30 years.

  Mr Bracks said the Civic Nexus redevelopment included the construction of a new retail plaza, and three office and apartment towers, within the Spencer Street Station precinct.

  “The new residential and commercial buildings, combined with the new transport interchange, will generate construction activity worth about $700 million and create approximately 4000 jobs,” he said.

  Construction of the station will start by September 2002 and be completed by mid 2005, in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

  The Premier praised the winning design by world renowned Australian architect Daryl Jackson and UK architect Nicholas Grimshaw.

  “It brings the best elements of modern railway station design from around the world to create a user-friendly, airport-style facility that will be easy and convenient for passengers to use and a new civic landmark for Melbourne,” he said.

  Features of the new station included:

  • An open design with vast, light-filled spaces, and all-glass street frontage on to the Collins St extension and Spencer St;
  • Secure, sheltered parking facilities for 800 cars plus drop-off areas;
  • A 30-bay bus station accommodating terminating and transiting coaches and buses, and providing ticketing facilities and waiting areas for their passengers;
  • Convenient access to the main terminal complex for trams travelling along Spencer Street and the new Collins Street extension
  • An innovative ‘wave roof’ design spanning across all platforms;
  • Links to Docklands via the Collins and Bourke Street alignments, with direct access to these bridges from all platforms;
  • In addition to the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge, a new footbridge will link Lonsdale Street with Colonial Stadium and connect with a retail plaza;
  • The Transport Mural is heritage listed and will be retained and located within the new facility;
  • Fully sheltered, high-quality waiting areas, equipped with comfortable seating, lighting, heating and air-conditioning and providing access to toilets, telephones, passenger information displays, catering facilities and other retail outlets;
  • Passenger security facilities throughout the Interchange Facility – including CCTV monitoring – and readily accessible passenger help-points and alarms connected to an on-site control room;
  • Efficient baggage handling facilities for interstate and long-distance intrastate rail and coach operations.

  Transport Minister Peter Batchelor welcomed the announcement and said the redevelopment represented a major economic boost to Melbourne and regional Victoria.

  “This redevelopment is at the heart of the Government’s vision for a modern, integrated transport system,” he said.

  The redevelopment is a key component of the Linking Victoria $3.5 billion policy to revitalise transport infrastructure in Victoria in partnership with the private sector.

  “In short, it is a bold and magnificent landmark to open up Melbourne’s west and the new waterfront precinct of Docklands,” Mr Batchelor said.

  On average, the station attracts 55,000 commuters per day, 15 million a year. The new design provides capacity for future growth and travel demand to benefit 45 million passengers a year.

  The new station will also facilitate the Fast Rail Links to regional Victoria bringing greater commercial and tourism development closer together. It will continue to operate as a fully functioning station throughout the construction phase.

• 2002-02-04 - Design panel appointed for Spencer Street Station redevelopment

  An eminent team of Australian and overseas architects will form an architectural advisory panel to review design proposals for the redevelopment of Spencer Street Station, the Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor announced today.

  As part of the redevelopment, the Bracks Government will use the independent panel to bring critical thinking and a fresh perspective to assess the potential designs for the new Spencer Street Station.

  “Spencer Street Station is a significant landmark for Melbourne and there are big expectations for it.” Mr Batchelor said.

  “It is vital that proper evaluation of its design is supported by high level experience and I am very pleased that such eminent architects as Peter McIntyre, Scott Danielson from the USA, Leon Van Schaik and Peter Crone have all agreed to be part of the panel.”

  • Peter McIntyre
    A practising architect with 50 years experience, he has designed key icons for Melbourne such as the Olympic Swimming Stadium, Parliament Station, the Melbourne Arts Centre Spire. A former Professor of Architecture at Melbourne University, Mr McIntyre has also been involved in the Museum of Victoria and Crown Casino Melbourne, and will chair the panel.
    
  • Leon Van Schaik
    Mr Van Schaik is a Melbourne architect, Pro Vice Chancellor and a professor of architecture at RMIT. He has a long history of promoting local architectural culture in Melbourne through the university’s capital works program.
    
  • Scott Danielson
    An international architect, Mr Danielson will bring an international perspective to Melbourne. He has strong experience in transport interchanges, having been associated with Mass Rapid Transport system in Singapore and Taipei.
    
  • Peter Crone
    A well-known Melbourne architect, Mr Crone leads his own award-winning practice based on inventive architectural design.
    
  • Gerry Neylan
    Mr Neylan will contribute almost 30 years experience in major projects. He has an extensive background of planning, architecture and business development.

  Mr Batchelor said the five respected panellists would assess and provide advice on the three bidders’ design concepts in the context of the design evaluation criteria.

  The panel will report to an executive group responsible for evaluating the best overall bid, taking into account the design, engineering, technical and commercial elements of the project.

  “This is a unique opportunity for panel members to assess the future design of the new station in the public interest,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “Spencer Street Station is an integral hub of Melbourne’s public transport system. Its redevelopment will transform accessibility for travellers, provide a link to the emerging Docklands and regenerate the west-end of Melbourne.”

  The project will be delivered under the Partnerships Victoria policy to achieve maximum value for money, and combine the expertise of the private sector and the State Government.

  In September 2001, three consortia were short-listed to tender for the Spencer Street Station Redevelopment project, which will commence construction later in 2002 and will be complete in 2005.