The stunning concourse of the new Town Hall Station that sits directly underneath Melbourne’s City Square has been revealed.
The 18-metre-wide concourse will be an extension of the square above and used as a public gathering space in the heart of the city, with new shops and cafes for people to explore.
The station’s signature design includes eight soaring concrete and steel columns that branch out overhead, supporting the roof and creating a dramatic two-tiered space. Accessible via five sets of escalators from the northern end of City Square, the concourse will be free for the public to explore without needing to touch on.
Building a station deep beneath the bustling CBD has been no small feat. Instead of disrupting Swanston Street with a massive construction site, crews have used deep shafts on either side of the block—akin to keyhole surgery—to keep the area open for trams, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“Our city has a new heart. It’s called Town Hall Station,” said Premier Jacinta Allan. “You’ll see shops, cafes, and a stunning public gathering space that’s free and open to everyone.”
Once complete, City Square will be returned to the public as a revitalised open space for events and gatherings, featuring new landscaping, seating, and art. Town Hall Station will also become a gateway to iconic landmarks like Federation Square, Birrarung Marr, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Metro Tunnel, set to open this year, is the biggest upgrade to Melbourne’s rail network in 40 years. It will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham, freeing up space in the City Loop and enabling more frequent services.
“The Metro Tunnel will transform the way people travel and ease congestion in the City Loop,” said Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams.
With major construction already completed on Anzac, Parkville, and Arden stations, the countdown is on for the Metro Tunnel’s opening—a game-changer for Melbourne’s transport network.
