Arden Station is located Laurens Street in North Melbourne, between Queensberry Street and Arden Street. It will provide direct access to existing residential, retail and commercial areas east of Laurens Street.
Provision has been made for a future additional entrance at the western end of the station that could service the Arden precinct as it develops in the future.
Arden Station is within walking distance of the North Melbourne Recreation Centre, Arden Street Oval and route 57 tram. Passengers can easily arrive and depart the station on foot, bicycle, taxi or car.
Station access features include:
- dedicated pedestrian crossing on Laurens Street
- drop-off zones and taxi bays located directly outside the station on Laurens Street
- more than 120 bike parking spaces
- separated bike lanes on Laurens Street
- lifts, escalators and stairs throughout the station
- universal access parking bays conveniently located near the station entrance.
Arden Station’s arched entrance reflects the rich industrial history of North Melbourne and sets the tone for urban renewal in the precinct. The entrance design emulates the form and heritage of industrial architecture, using materials like brick, bluestone, timber, steel and glass.
The station entrance's 15 soaring brick arches feature 104,000 locally manufactured bricks, highlighted by custom-designed architectural lighting.
The entrance is raised 1.5m above ground level to prevent flooding, and is surrounded by a large terrace with public seating, landscaping and open space.
The station entrance will also feature world-class artwork as part of the Metro Tunnel Legacy Artwork Program.
Laurens Street is being upgraded to become a more pedestrian- and public transport-oriented street, with new tree plantings, separated bike lanes and bus stops. Barwise Street will be transformed into a greener, more pedestrian-friendly laneway while maintaining access for existing properties.
The station precinct features predominantly native landscaping. Sustainability features include tree pits and garden beds surrounding the entrance, and new tree plantings to capture stormwater, provide shade and improve air quality.
The station entrance is surrounded by a public terrace with tiered landscaping, retail and seating areas. It will provide a bright, safe and welcoming place for passengers and the community to enjoy.
Recognising that the broader Arden precinct is prone to flooding, the station surrounds have been designed so that stormwater runoff is slowed and collected for re-use via rain gardens, street planters and other water-sensitive urban design features.
