THE facelift component of the Flinders Street Railway Station’s $100 million restoration has begun.
Scaffolding will be a regular fixture along the Station’s façade as it is repaired and repainted to its original 1910 colours, dominated by a more classic stone tint than its current mustard incarnation.
The Melbourne CBD landmark will also receive some interior patching, including the clock tower and leaking roof, as well as the now-completed refitting of platform lighting.
However, the ballroom and various administration spaces inside will not receive any touch-ups as part of the current plans.
Flinders Street retail shops will continue trading amidst the works, albeit along a narrowed footpath.
The restoration comes as the prime Swanston Street retail precinct coming off the Flinders Street intersection prepares for an overhaul to accommodate the CBD South component of the Metro Rail project.
It has already forced a shuffle of key outlets, including McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s and CBA.
In 2011 the former Coalition government commissioned a design competition for a major overhaul of Flinders Street Station’s design, with the $1 million prize announced in 2013 as going to architects from Swiss and local firms Herzog & de Meuron and Hassall for their modern, arch-dominated entry.
However, the superseding and current Labor government chose to refurbish the iconic station rather than take on what they estimated would be a $2 billion project.
Australian Property Journal
