Closed in 2017 for the construction of Town Hall Station, Melbourne’s City Square has been given a major facelift as part of the Metro Tunnel Project but has retained some old beloved icons too.
The square is now full of native flora species such as gum trees, correas, daisies and native grasses.
An interactive, digital version of the Mockridge fountain – titled Mnemonic Flow – feature on the Collins Street side of the square, while the bronze sculpture Beyond the Ocean of Existence has also returned to the area.
A permanent Smoking Ceremony dish developed with Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy OAM takes pride of place in the square. Woi-wurrung language and artwork are etched into the surrounding paving.
These features both honour the past and open up new spaces for cultural and civic activity.
The Town Hall Station entrance on Collins Street sits above five escalators leading down into a two-tiered concourse – a grand ‘square beneath a square’ - which will offer shops, takeaway food and coffee options when the retail precinct opens next year.
City Square reopens on 30 November when services start in the Metro Tunnel.
Head to the Transport Victoria website to plan your journey.
