If you're out of the loop on where the much-anticipated Metro Tunnel project is at, let us get you up to speed. The new rail network is in the trial operations phase, prepping to open later this year. Three of the five new underground train stations (Anzac, Parkville and Arden) are ready to open, with the final two currently under construction. Both are located in the heart of the CBD, and we've got a sneak peek of what they'll look like once they're completed soon.
The Town Hall and State Library stations will extend existing transport hubs, with the former connecting to Flinders Street Station and the latter to Melbourne Central Station. Both stations feature cathedral-like architecture inside, including majestic curved ceilings that have been inspired by the grandeur of Melbourne landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.
The State Library Station will be located across the road from Melbourne Central, on the corner of Swanston Street and La Trobe Street, diagonally opposite the State Library building itself. Travellers will be able to walk through the State Library Station to connect to trains at Melbourne Central via an underground walkway.
The exterior of the State Library Station will feature large-scale mural artworks by Indigenous artist Danie Mellor, with the other stations also featuring incredible works by local artists.
Town Hall Station will be on the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, with a walkway running underneath Flinders Street to the new hub, as well as to Degraves Street. This will mean that Campbell Arcade, an underground walkway that once hosted unique shops, will also finally reopen. Plus, there’ll be two more entrances to the station, from the revamped City Square (across Collins Street from the actual Town Hall building) and from Federation Square.
The CBD is going to be looking quite different by the end of this year, which we reckon is pretty exciting. Watch this space for more updates on the Metro Tunnel, or find out more about the project here.
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