Western tunnel entrance and precinct design

Entrance location

The western tunnel entrance is located alongside the existing rail corridor near South Kensington Station. It includes descending tracks so that trains can enter and exit the Metro Tunnel.

From the western tunnel entrance, the project's twin tunnels pass under Moonee Ponds Creek and CityLink before connecting to the new Arden Station.

Western Tunnel Entrance map

Precinct features

Childers Street

Childers Street has been upgraded with a new road surface, pathways, lighting, pavement and extensive landscaping including water-sensitive rain gardens.

There are 82 parking spaces, between Kensington Road and South Kensington Station, as well as 4 accessible parking bays and 2 emergency vehicle bays.

On-street parking for vehicles has been retained on Childers Street between Tennyson Street and Younghusband Lane.

Station forecourt

The realignment of Childers Street has created more space outside the station entrance for a new entrance canopy, garden beds, new lighting and improved pedestrian and cyclist connections.

To the west of the station is a new pedestrian area featuring a seated area, new lighting, extensive landscaping, 18 bicycle hoops, 4 accessible parking spaces and 2 emergency vehicle bays.

Above ground structures

The emergency access/egress shaft will allow crews to access the tunnels in case of emergency.

The explanatory text on the One Day In Our Park artwork

Floodwall

A 300m-long flood wall protects the western tunnel entrance.

In 2021, a permanent artwork by local artist and designer Stephen Banham, called 'One Day in Our Park', was installed on the flood wall.

Find out more about the artwork and the Legacy Artwork Program.

Pocket park

A new pocket park has been established at 135 Ormond Street, north of South Kensington Station.

Featuring an open lawn area, mudstone retaining walls, garden beds and tree plantings, the new pocket park has been integrated with JJ Holland Park and the new public spaces outside South Kensington Station.

Equipment rooms

A signalling equipment room and a communications equipment room have been built adjacent the rail corridor at 1-39 Hobsons Road. These rooms host important equipment to operate trains in the Metro Tunnel. A driveway from Hobsons Road provides maintenance access to the new buildings and the existing high-voltage tower.

Key urban design elements in this area include architectural panelling surrounding the buildings, and landscaping at the corner of Kensington and Hobsons roads.

South Kensington Station

While we have upgraded public areas near the tunnel entrance, the Metro Tunnel Project does not include a new station in South Kensington or a connection from the existing station.

Upon completion of the Metro Tunnel, passengers using South Kensington Station are expected to benefit from improved capacity and more frequent services on the Werribee and Williamstown lines.