just getting ready here :D plus there's also been a request for Southern Cross Station renderings et al.

4 pics from the plans:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/sxstation1.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/sxstation2.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/sxstation3.jpg
http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/sxstation4.jpg

And other pics from Victrip:

http://www.victrip.com.au/news/images/SSS_internal_large.jpg

http://www.victrip.com.au/news/images/SSS_top_large.jpg

http://www.victrip.com.au/news/images/SSS_corner_large.jpg

http://www.victrip.com.au/news/images/SSS_front.jpg

can someone post pics of the model ?

tays

model from Town Hall (taken by myself):

http://users.bigpond.net.au/stevemelb/sxs/My Pictures0025.jpg

http://users.bigpond.net.au/stevemelb/sxs/My Pictures0026.jpg

I think silvermb took these last two:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/stevemelb/sxs/scs_office.jpg

http://users.bigpond.net.au/stevemelb/sxs/scs_towers.jpg

why the hell is this happening in Melbourne and not central station in sydney!!! :rant:

Im starting to get VERY jealous of melbourne!

I would really like to see sydneys CBD train stations totally refurbished. The subway stationa (town hall, wynyard, museun etc..) are VERY 70's and dirty and grotty and are in desperate need of a refurbish.

As for central station- Australias busiest train station- the platforms are very plain and ugly. Something like southern cross needs to be done to central!

this is the question I brang up a few weeks back. If you are standing on ground level (terra firma) next to Collins Rise, what would be its effective height to tip? Id say maybe 175m. And if you look at the height of the residentials in pic 4 i'd guess their effective height to top from street level to be around 160m if you compare to Collins Rise. Anyway now that construction has started, does anyone know what is actually happening and how long before they existing offensive brown building fronting Spencer is demolished?

Originally posted by SydneyDude
why the hell is this happening in Melbourne and not central station in sydney!!! :rant:

Im starting to get VERY jealous of melbourne!

I would really like to see sydneys CBD train stations totally refurbished. The subway stationa (town hall, wynyard, museun etc..) are VERY 70's and dirty and grotty and are in desperate need of a refurbish.

As for central station- Australias busiest train station- the platforms are very plain and ugly. Something like southern cross needs to be done to central!

After being to both station recently i would have to say however that Spencer street is in a much more needed state of redevelopment! Central Station isn't that mad at all!!:) :)

are the 2 residential buildings going to be the same height?

Silver... mate it's not that hard dude.

The RL at the top (without the fin thing) is 159.20m

The RL at Ground Level (they call it Concorse L1)i think it says 16.00m.

Subtract one from the other and you have a height of 143.20m (without the fin thing) which is about 10- 12m so the whole thing is about 155m tall. (oh maaaan..There's no GAP here man...)

How's that for Cornball...

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

This looks awesome and will continue to push the focus towards docklands.
Spencer Street has to be the worst captial city train station in Australia it looks like it is still in the 1800s
Have they started on demolition yet?

I printed out those elevations and worked out using rls and dimensions, the heights of the towers are>>

Collins rise tower-155m (above level1 concourse) or 164m above lower lv.(35levels)
residential towers-142m (40storeys)

cheers;)

This is a very exciting project.

If it looks half as good as the models it will be brilliant.

Love the roof and the interior - very futuristic.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

either I still dont get it or I haven't got my point across but this is the approximate height i'm after. I'd say about 175m. I talk about the effective height from say Spencer Street or Docklands Esplanade (terra firma). Some tourist yokel doesn't know about RL and height to roof minus concorse/top of the Collins Street extension. They stand on soil and see it as about 175m to top, they dont know it's technically 143.2m. Another query for those in the know. Why is the fin not counted as a part of the structure if, as it looks like in the plans, the plant/core rises into it. Currently, is it just defined as an architectural feature or not at all?
http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/markspics/sxcr.jpg

Another one, why isn't the height taken to the top of the glass shard on the left if its an extension of the actual building? Not trying to push the point, just interested in what constitutes the official height of a tower and what features are excluded from the height of a tower.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/stevemelb/sxs/scs_office.jpg

Apologies to the one or two guys who would have replied to my question on this topic a few weeks back, but at least everyone knows what i'm talking about now

Maybe they should call it Boobie station.

ive come across many hundreds of plans over the years here at council and the requirement most of the time only needs to show height to top of upper most floor! this is where the council requirements are met! obviously they also need to know the overall height with architectural feature, but for there purposes they only need its roof height. for us here at skyscrapercity of skyscraperpage or Skyscrapers.com need every height and overall!! to get structural height.

as i said in my answer back a couple of posts ago the "overall height" of the collins rise tower is 164m above lower ground!!


cheers:D

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

In my opinion, the height should be measured from the road way RL, which is 16.00m (the real above ground height)is this case.

So the height to top floor is 143.2m and the Height to the top of the Fin is about 155m.

I think the fin is part of the building and not just a mast or antenna so it should be counted.

Therfore about 155m is the true height. (over 500 feet - excellent)

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

yeah i think 155m is its height! bastard melbournites get another 500footer!:D

lol culwulla :finger: hah :D

anyhow re: Collins Rise, I assume that the office space in it would be more "attractive" to Transport / logistics companies ?

Connex Australia is based in Sydney atm (Connex operated Flinders and Spencer Streets - M>Train the 3 u/ ground stations)

anyone know where National Express is based ?

I don't see DOI moving out of NAuru anytime soon

just speculating ;)

tays

A question:

Does the development propose to extend bourke street right through from the spencer st intersection to the colonial stadium area?

this is something that has been on my mind for Quite a while.

cheers:cheers:

lozza

Lozz.. your Q is answered in the Collins St extension thread but basically..

(in Kath & Kim voice)

"No way Jose!" (pronounced Joe-zay)

At least theyre not going Yank style and calling the extensions 'Bourke St West' or 'Collins St West' ..

Then again.. does have a nice ring to it..

Originally posted by lozza
A question:

Does the development propose to extend bourke street right through from the spencer st intersection to the colonial stadium area?

lozza nah, Bourke Street will become Bourke Street West I think, not an actual "extension" of Bourke Street.

I think the pedestrian bridge from Spencer St. to Docklands Stadium blocks where Bourke St would be extended from.

lets hope the ugly brick building is knocked down soon, along with the viaducts over Kings Way!

Originally posted by A-brain


At least theyre not going Yank style and calling the extensions 'Bourke St West' or 'Collins St West' ..

Then again.. does have a nice ring to it..

Not sure at what point along Collins street is considered central, but the West and East references are already in place. I know the East end is called the "Paris end" but address wise the P.O. Box for my work at the Post office, which is located across from AXA, is addressed at Collins Street West. So there you go (shrugs).

I've heard people (mainly from display suites in docklands - although a few were "out-of-towners" (sydney) refer to it as "Bourke Street West"

however Melways still hasnt listed it as that, and well, Melways is the holy grail (lol) so I'm just gonna go by that :

http://www.street-directory.com.au/victoria/victoria_genmap.cgi?x=2495321&y=4408898&level=6&star=&sizex=570&sizey=570&company=

cheers

tays :D

I'm not so sure about these new roadways being named "Way", "Drive" and "Esplanade". What's wrong with simply "Street"? That would be at least keeping the tradition!

As for the Spencer Street redevlopment, it looks very exciting. This might give Melbourne it's second icon as a station.

http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/news/Spence1_0.jpg

http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/news/Spence4.jpg

The 143-year-old station will be transformed by a curvaceous glass and metal roof with raised domes to help extract diesel fumes from the platforms below. Observers likened the plans to waves, sand dunes and ski moguls.
As part of the overhaul the $40 million Bourke St pedestrian bridge, completed just two years ago, will be remodelled with a full roof, leaving just half the existing structure.
Other plans include:

* A Giant shopping centre with a huge supermarket, stretching from Lonsdale St to Bourke St.
* A 5-storey, 800-space car park topped by two residential towers between Bourke and Lonsdale streets.
* A 36-Level office tower on the new Collins St extension into Docklands.
* A Taxi rank for 18 cabs.
* A 30-BAY undercover bus station.
* Direct lift and escalator access to a new Collins St tram stop.
* Lonsdale St to be extended via a footbridge into Colonial Stadium.

you could look at those curve pictures all day

After walking over Collins Street yesterday, I now realise that the State Government has stuffed the Spencer Street Station redevelopment.

What they should have done is placed all the train lines underground from Collins Street to La Trobe Street. Then Boukre Street and Lonsdale Street could have continued over the rail lines into the Docklands. Oh, but that wouldn't work cos they built a bloody big ugly stadium in the way of Lonsdale Street. How Stupid!

:(

I can never get over those pics of the station. It really is a wicked design and will definately look awesome once completed. When is the expected completion date for the station???

Originally posted by SinCity
I can never get over those pics of the station. It really is a wicked design and will definately look awesome once completed. When is the expected completion date for the station???

late 2005 I think, in time for the Commonwealth Games et al.

That's just that station I think, I don't know if that includes Collins Rise or the two West End residentials...

havent seen anything on pre-commitments for Collins Rise (~155m Office tower) etc etc

cheers

tays

Thanks for the info Tays! I'm putting off a trip to Melbourne for a while so as to give these projects some good progress. I haven't been for a couple of years considering a trip down south has always been a yearly event. Boy will I be in for one major shock! But I love the suspense to what I am going to see ;)

Hear ! Hear ! Aussie Steve.
While I love the Docklands and think they're great for Melbourne, they are just a testament to bad planning so far. So many mistakes that are going to have to be rectified in the future, probably at the taxpayers expense.
1/ Wurundjeri Way. Why is it there? To completely cut off the Docklands from the CBD? I remember being in Toronto and noticing how cut off their waterfront development is from the CBD. This was mainly due to busy roads and elevated freeways cutting through it that you had to cross or go under to get to the waterfront. It seemed like two separate cities and just didn't seem to work at all.
2/ Telstra Dome - Why build a stadium on such a prime, prime site. They're dead zones 90% of the time. Using all that land for commercial development would've created a kind of mini Circular Quay, instead we've ended up with yet another dull, lifeless sporting arena
3/ Charles Grimes bridge - I know the area needs access and infrastructure, but the 'conglomeration' they call a bridge is a mess and an unimaginative 'freeway-over-the-yarra'. It doesn't even LOOK like a bridge.
4. Spencer Street rail lines - should have been sunk. Absolutely no doubt about that. (despite Collins St. bridge being very cool!).
5. Related to point 4 - The Grid - The gric should've been able to be extended down to the waterfront. That was the docklands integration into the CBD would've been seamless.
Anyway, these are just my opinions...don't know if anyone else shares them.

Originally posted by Garmatt
. Using all that land for commercial development would've created a kind of mini Circular Quay

Funny you mention that - look what Sydney's Cahill Expressway does for Circular Quay.

Cheers,

Adam

Hear ! Hear ! Garmatt

Like you say Garmatt, they should have redeveloped Spencer Street Station first and put the train lines and the station underground. Flinders Street, Collins Street, Bourke Street, Lonsdale Street and La Trobe Street should have been extended west into the docklands. Flinders Street could have meet Collins & Bourke Street!!!!!

All other roads in the docklands should have been removed including the silly road to the stadium from Flinders Street. The Charles Grimes Bridge over the Yarra River should have been retained and the road along the waters edge (formerly Footscray Rd, now Docklands Blvd) should have become a proper boulevard with a tram down the centre and and trees lining the roadway.

Wurundjeri Way and the Telstra Dome should never have been built. If they wanted a stadium in the docklands, they should have built it where the proposed movie/theam park was going to be, on the north side of Dudley Street.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Garmatt, you make some good points. But I think they are overly harsh and way too early to tell.. allow me to argue for the defense..

Originally posted by Garmatt
1/ Wurundjeri Way. Why is it there? To completely cut off the Docklands from the CBD? I remember being in Toronto and noticing how cut off their waterfront development is from the CBD. This was mainly due to busy roads and elevated freeways cutting through it that you had to cross or go under to get to the waterfront. It seemed like two separate cities and just didn't seem to work at all.

Wurunjeri Way is an essential arterial, which they had the sense to put *behind* all the major developements and waterfront. It is nothing like the mess that is the Gardiner Expressway in TO. Remember also that Footscray Rd (now the waterfront esplanade) was one of the busiest inner city arterials, now its converted into a nice quiet waterfront rd.

2/ Telstra Dome - Why build a stadium on such a prime, prime site. They're dead zones 90% of the time. Using all that land for commercial development would've created a kind of mini Circular Quay, instead we've ended up with yet another dull, lifeless sporting arena

Without it it would take that much longer to fill the void. TD creates a focus. And it *does* have some life. The nightclubs there are open all year round.

As for the 'mini-Circular Quay' effect. I can tell you I was dining at the new NewQuay marina the other night and it was fantastic, and sure ain't mini! Re-created that Darling Harbour/Circular Quay feel beautifully, and its barely even open. And as you sat there, Telstra Dome formed a beautiful big backdrop all creatively lit at night.

3/ Charles Grimes bridge - I know the area needs access and infrastructure, but the 'conglomeration' they call a bridge is a mess and an unimaginative 'freeway-over-the-yarra'. It doesn't even LOOK like a bridge.

A mess and unimaginitive? It's a bridge! And its actually a nice looking one with its curved shape. It's a necessary link, and they've made it as unobtrusive as can be. When you get here and you drive over it and see the view it gives you smack bang next to Mirvac YE, you'll appreciate it more I think.

4. Spencer Street rail lines - should have been sunk. Absolutely no doubt about that. (despite Collins St. bridge being very cool!).

Now look, we have just enough happening to get Docklands going at the moment.. can you imagine the cost and expense at sinking the station underground? It would never happen in the short term.

All things can happen in time. If they sunk it now it would just be another huge space that needs to be filled, and there isn't the demand for it all to happen at once. And look at the redevelopment with towers on top anyway?

5. Related to point 4 - The Grid - The gric should've been able to be extended down to the waterfront. That was the docklands integration into the CBD would've been seamless.


Since when was Spencer St ever the hub of activity in Melbourne anyway? People congregate at Flinders St/Southbank/Casino.

The analogy is just like Circular Quay/The Rocks and Darling Harbour. CQ was the traditional busy hub of tourist Sydney with the Opera House etc. When they built DH it was an abandoned part of town, now its a destination in its own right, and you catch a ferry from one to the other.

Similalry, Docklands is becoming a destination in its own right, its so big that even if you had it directly connected to the city, you'd still have to get transport to get to other parts of it. So having it linked ass-up against the old city isnt necessary, however having the free City-Circle tram loop extending into the heart of the Docklands going right by the marina will ensure it feels 'part' of the city.

Originally posted by Aussie Steve
Hear ! Hear ! Garmatt

Like you say Garmatt, they should have redeveloped Spencer Street Station first and put the train lines and the station underground. Flinders Street, Collins Street, Bourke Street, Lonsdale Street and La Trobe Street should have been extended west into the docklands. Flinders Street could have meet Collins & Bourke Street!!!!!

All other roads in the docklands should have been removed including the silly road to the stadium from Flinders Street. The Charles Grimes Bridge over the Yarra River should have been retained and the road along the waters edge (formerly Footscray Rd, now Docklands Blvd) should have become a proper boulevard with a tram down the centre and and trees lining the roadway.

Wurundjeri Way and the Telstra Dome should never have been built. If they wanted a stadium in the docklands, they should have built it where the proposed movie/theam park was going to be, on the north side of Dudley Street.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Agree with AussieSteve, Garmatt and A-Brain. AussieSteve & Garmatt - ideally, this would've been the case, but A-Brain puts the other point of view well IMO. If we could do it all our way, it sure would've been different, but what we've got is pretty damn good! A little mediocre, but it's happening, and it's a whole lot better than what it used to be!

Originally posted by Blabbyboy
A little mediocre, but it's happening, and it's a whole lot better than what it used to be!
This is what i mean, its pretty mediocre. Why couldn't it have been planned as part of the extension of the CBD? But instead, we get these outer suburban planners coming in to the inner city! :(

Wurunjeri Way is not needed. If people used the Bolti Bridge, then there wouldn't be a problem. If King Street, Spencer St & the old Footscray Road had the normal traffic light sequence every other street in the CBD has, then people wouldn't use it, cos they would be stop starting every 50 metres!

Why shouldn't we all expect the best? The stadium blocks the CBD from the docklands. Very sad indeed.

DAMN!

:eek2:
Very nice structures. Central Sydney is CRYING OUT for something like this... prolly NEVER happen though.

*Sigh* *Grumbles about Victorians getting the better architecture*

Let's wait to its completed in 10-15 years time...then we'll see what we think....it really is only in its infancy!! An i think we should appreciate how our wonderful city it able to do this! We are going to have to water front areas.... southbank and Docklands!!

Yeah you're right. I was being too harsh - as Docklands is still amazing.

I still stand by my criticism of putting a bloody great stadium as the so-called 'centre-piece' of Docklands though. I just think it does NOTHING for the area.

Infrastructure...? Yeah, you're right again. It's too early to tell, and the first priority is making the area accessible so that people flock to it, make it a successful destination, and then think about improving the aesthetics of it.

Anyway - good stuff! Rather be bitching about some mistakes being made then about nothing happening at all!

Once Victoria Harbour, NewQuay, Batman's Hill and Yarra's Edge are all complete, residential construction-wise, plus all the potential commercial development, the "sporadic" people movement in and around Colonial will be pretty much cancelled out IMO - as the Docklands propaganda suggests there'll be something like 25,000 people alone just living there!

re: Wurundjeri Way, you never know! It looks quite "temporary" in the way it's been built, in that I mean, there's a significant amount of land between Charles Grimes and Collins Street bridges on either side, eh you never know, in 20 years time they could do a Federation Square, however instead of just rail lines (jolimont rail yards) they could sink Wurundjeri way and just build over both the road and rail lines to the south of Collins street ;)

ya never know what may happen in xxx amount of years time! :D

tays

I agree the stadium would have been better positioned behind NewQuay to keep the prime land between Vic Harbour and Spencer St as a true extension of the CBD. I really feel the stadium is a huge physical and psychological barrier between Docklands/CBD. But hey, I aint complaining, Docklands is still pretty amazing.

One thing Telstra Dome does do in a positive way is build a big raised platform or podium, kinda like a 'hill' in the center of Docklands.. as you walk down the Bourke St extension and reach the edge of the mezzanine, you get a great elevated view of Docklands which you otherwise wouldnt have had..

Also, the way Vic Point is planned to be linked up with that mezzanine looks very cool as well.

There are plenty of other 'key' locations in Docklands - remember that the true heart of it really is end of the middle pier where the Goods Sheds still are.. and where a big landmark is planned..

Also the Intersection of Collins/Bourke is planned to be another 'heart' .. from both those vantage points as well as the already completed NewQuay marina, Telstra Dome forms a nice backdrop.

Go for a walk along the Collins Street bridge and look out to the South at the original Batman's Hill - they've put a marker in there showing the original "height" of the hill - 18metres above where the "ground" is now!

It was the point in which the Hoddle Grid was laid out and was excavated to make way for the rail lines between Spencer and Flinders Street stations!

I never knew that are was so heavily excavated all those years (i.e 150) ago!

tays

:D

I think the biggest factor in Telstra Dome being placed where it is was its proximity to Spencer Street Station(SX in the future);its directly linked to the station with the pedestrian bridge,and that encourages people to use public transport when they go there.In that respect it's very successful;on a footy day,the vast majority seem to be using the bridge to get to the station.If it was down behind NewQuay,you'd have a real hike from the station.In addition,the tram loops right around it,providing another option.As Tayser said,when surrounding developments are completed,especially Victoria Point(fingers crossed),Watergate Place,NAB,Bureau of Meteorology,the Southern Cross Station,even Dock 5,Telstra Dome will have some context,and won't look so "plonked down".It's pretty amazing how quickly Docklands has come on;I remember standing next to the partially built stadium on one of Kennett's "open days",and thinking "Docklands is so fucking huge;they'll never be able to fill it".Well,it's off to a roaring start!

forgot to mention, last wednesday when I met STeve in the city, was walking along the Collins Street Bridge and noticed, what looked like, about 10 - 15 "big wigs" in suits with hardhats roaming on the corner of Spencer Street and Collins Street, right near the delapidated interstate rail platforms, and they've got the workmen's huts set up lining the Collins Street bridge

could we be seeing some "curvalicious roof" action soon I wonder ? ;)

tays

hope so

from Vic Projects:


The station and its precinct will be redeveloped over three years in a $700 million public/private partnership between the Victorian Government and the Civic Nexus consortium. The cost of construction for the Transport Interchange and related rail and signaling works is $350 million. The commercial development works will cost $350 million.

Construction will start by September 2002 and be complete by mid 2005.

The components included in the project are:
1. A Transport Interchange Facility catering for a full range of rail, bus, tram and taxi services
2. An Infrastructure upgrade comprising two elements:
- minor modifications to the existing track and associated infrastructure required to accommodate the new Interchange Facility
- upgrade of existing signaling system around the Station for the regional rail services.
3. Commercial Development – commercially oriented property opportunities within the site and beyond the requirements of the Interchange Facility

___

ugghhh - has anyone noticed anything "moving" in the past two days ? ?!?!?!

tays

It's obvious that the only reason Steve Bracks put on the show saying that things are going 'full steam ahead' for SX was because the election was coming up. That's how governments work - they inflate figures of how much projects will benefit the economy, deflate the costs of construction and work out phoney construction start dates all to make themselves look better.

Its not up to Steve Bracks, its a PRIVATE project and timelines will be controlled by the developer -not the State Govt!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by barneybuck </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Its not up to Steve Bracks, its a PRIVATE project and timelines will be controlled by the developer -not the State Govt!</td></tr>
</table>

It's a private project under the jurisdiction of the state government.

I'm glad that Melbourne's getting Nick Grimshaw to do Southern Cross Station, him being a Euro celebrity architect of sorts. But to be honest, I'd prefer it to be a homegrown (I mean Melburnian) architect or architecture firm for all the big projects if possible - to show off the quality of design work from Melbourne.

Those guys walking around in Hard hats sound promising! Started constuction in September did they?? There should be more action soon then!

While it's not quite yet a hive of activity.. you can definately list it as "U/C"

At the back of the Station on Wurundjeri Way in Docklands (near the big eagle) it has been boarded off with Leighton construction huts and signs - who are the primary builders on the projects I believe..

We should hopefully see things ramp up this year..

Good bye dank Pedestrian subway:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/spencersubway.jpg

:guns1:

tays

Good work Tayser!The old station is an absolute eyesore and an embarassment to the city.Cant wait for the new one to be built.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by SydneyDude </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>why the hell is this happening in Melbourne and not central station in sydney!!! :rant:

Im starting to get VERY jealous of melbourne!

I would really like to see sydneys CBD train stations totally refurbished. The subway stationa (town hall, wynyard, museun etc..) are VERY 70's and dirty and grotty and are in desperate need of a refurbish.

As for central station- Australias busiest train station- the platforms are very plain and ugly. Something like southern cross needs to be done to central!</td></tr>
</table>

:D I think we deserved it first Sydney; central is pretty nasty but in terms of badness, Spencer Street shat all over it. :D

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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Bluestar </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by SydneyDude </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>why the hell is this happening in Melbourne and not central station in sydney!!! :rant:

Im starting to get VERY jealous of melbourne!

I would really like to see sydneys CBD train stations totally refurbished. The subway stationa (town hall, wynyard, museun etc..) are VERY 70's and dirty and grotty and are in desperate need of a refurbish.

As for central station- Australias busiest train station- the platforms are very plain and ugly. Something like southern cross needs to be done to central!</td></tr>
</table>

:D I think we deserved it first Sydney; central is pretty nasty but in terms of badness, Spencer Street shat all over it. :D</td></tr>
</table>

Badness?? Lol.
Spencer St was one ugly station (compared to our other major ones), but it wasn't horrific, it still functioned fine. This development will make it a world-class station.

Spencer STREET between Collins and LaTrobe Streets was just shitefully terrible.

The station alone will do more than enough for the arse-end of Melbourne!

tays

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Spencer STREET between Collins and LaTrobe Streets was just shitefully terrible.

The station alone will do more than enough for the arse-end of Melbourne!

tays</td></tr>
</table>
Right on Tayser what about that bastard AGE building its that 1970s bad it almost worth saving LOL

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by barneybuck </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Spencer STREET between Collins and LaTrobe Streets was just shitefully terrible.

The station alone will do more than enough for the arse-end of Melbourne!

tays</td></tr>
</table>
Right on Tayser what about that bastard AGE building its that 1970s bad it almost worth saving LOL</td></tr>
</table>

hah, well, since you posted in here, Mondriane has kicked off, right next door, hopefully it might take the focus away from that SIMPLY STUNNING Brickwork on the ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT "The Age" building..........

DISCLAIMER: everything in capitals = sarcasm :D

tays

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

funny you should mention there doesnt seem to be much going on, friday myself and silvermb went past and noticed they've started fencing off the Standard Gauge / Country platforms.

When you say Commencement of demolition of existing buildings, do you mean the actual terminal building (the one with that massive 60's mural thing in it) ?

They'll probably keep the ped. subway open for the whole length of construction, wouldn't they ?

Anyhow, they've now got a brilliant delivery artery - Collins St. Bridge!

tays

funny you should say that Tays. Friday night after the KISS concert around about midnight Collins and Spencer were blocked off and three excavators had arrived along with countless other trucks. The excavators were in full swing, so the demolition seems to be underway.

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

nah...stay with Southern Cross, I like the name!!!

Good to hear demolistion has started!

Thanx guys,
Matt:)

The new station should be called "Docklands Station".

It should be called Spencer Street Station, being (thus) on Spencer Street.

People shoulden't tamper with names (and unwritten laws) that have been around since like the 1850's. Things go wrong...

2 Leighton renderings, stitched:

http://www.leighton.com.au/Images/uploaded//LCPL_SouthernCrossStation2.jpghttp://www.leighton.com.au/Images/uploaded//LCPL_SouthernCrossStation3.jpg

Now, that looks fab!

http://www.victrip.com.au/news/images/SSS_collins_street_side_large.jpg

DANG! She is one well-endowed, sleek looking honey. :guns1:

Blue

One of the best things about it is that you'll be able to see through the building from Spencer St. right across to the (yet-to-be-built) Docklands towers.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Bluestar </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>DANG! She is one well-endowed, sleek looking honey. :guns1:

Blue</td></tr>
</table>

took the words right out of my mouth!

all that we need to add to compliment it is either a MAGLEV or TGV Southern Cross - (Sydney) Central express :guns1:

tays

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

I read somewhere that the mural will be relocated in the new station building.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Billy the Kid </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I read somewhere that the mural will be relocated in the new station building.</td></tr>
</table>
Yep, its on the Victorian Heritage Register so it has to be kept and will be relocated in the new station.

gearing up, Go Gadget Go Go Go! :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/sxcstation1803031.jpg

Nice they are doing some stuff! It is still march so if the start demolition they could be on shedule!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by hunter </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>It should be called Spencer Street Station, being (thus) on Spencer Street.

People shoulden't tamper with names (and unwritten laws) that have been around since like the 1850's. Things go wrong...</td></tr>
</table>


Yeh I agree. Southern Cross sounds corny and abit to "Tryhard".

I'll always call it Spencer Street though! Just like i still call Colonial Stadium, Colonial (not Telstra Dome)!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by MelbourneCity </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by hunter </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>It should be called Spencer Street Station, being (thus) on Spencer Street.

People shoulden't tamper with names (and unwritten laws) that have been around since like the 1850's. Things go wrong...</td></tr>
</table>


Yeh I agree. Southern Cross sounds corny and abit to "Tryhard".

I'll always call it Spencer Street though! Just like i still call Colonial Stadium, Colonial (not Telstra Dome)!</td></tr>
</table>

i fully agree. maybe we can restore the name by petitioning...?

southern cross is corny..

It sounds really corny. I cant see many people saying "I'll meet you at Southern Cross" They should leave the name alone. Its worked for 150 years!

Yeh, maybe we could petition it, but either way I'll call in Spencer Street!

The project looks good :) IF its ever completed

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by MelbourneCity </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>It sounds really corny. I cant see many people saying "I'll meet you at Southern Cross" They should leave the name alone. Its worked for 150 years!

Yeh, maybe we could petition it, but either way I'll call in Spencer Street!

The project looks good :) IF its ever completed</td></tr>
</table>
Are you expecting the Private developers to go broke? please lets us in on your exclusive information.
Southern Cross is a great name for the shit heap we now call Spencer St station.

ahh im excited about this one, the current station is soooo embarasing looks like something from iqaq thats just been bombed [well kinda]
though i soooo think they should have put it underground so dockland and the CBD linked property

Southern Cross isnt too bad you get use to it. After all it was originally Batman's Hill Station before being renamed Spencer st

On my way to work this morning and there are signs up at Spencer saying that piling begins today 25/03 OLE!

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/sxstation_20030331=1.JPG

all the RL's and piling positions have been marked out on the platforms for the crash walls. They're going to have to start pulling apart the existing platform "sheds" soon.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/sxm.JPG

Cool pix Silver you're a marvel .

CONSTRUCTION CITY will soon be getting its MOTHER OF ALL RAILWAY STATIONS .

Now all we need is super fast rail between Melbourne and Sydney.


:guns1: :guns1: :guns1:

Great news.

so where's that model now? is it in Spencer Street or still touring?

Will the new station have any access from Collins Street?


James

Access to the station will be from Collins, Bourke and Spencer Streets

No, I am not expecting the developer to go broke, but I dont think it'll be finished on time seeing we have a no-hope GOvernment led by an idiot!

The station is still cool :) But, yeh, it needed doing years ago :) Ah well, once its done, its done

have a little faith.... and may I just remind you, who got raped at the last state election ? exactly, the real car-loving no-hopers.

kthnx.

____________

meanwhile back on topic, taking bets now on when we see press / action re: residentials & Collins rise........

a year ? two ? 6 months ?

tays

thats it Tays, stick up for your own, he he he :cool:

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by MelbourneCity </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>No, I am not expecting the developer to go broke, but I dont think it'll be finished on time seeing we have a no-hope GOvernment led by an idiot!

The station is still cool :) But, yeh, it needed doing years ago :) Ah well, once its done, its done</td></tr>
</table>
You wont give up will you! The state Government is NOT buliding this fucking building.
So how are they going to slow it down????
Get the chip off your shoulder the Liberals are in the political wilderness for 4 years and if they dont improve (and there are no signs that they are)could be out of office for 8 more years.
Theres nothing like a bad loser or is it just loser?
Get over it and see something positive for a change we dont need whingers in our booming state.

Talking of things going slowly -whats happening at the Shrine? The new entrances seem to be taking forever.

The Shrine was meant to be finished by ANZAC Day, but there was an article in The Age recently that said that the opening date would not be until around June.

Never mind 'MelbourneCity' I am sure that the station formerly known as 'Spencer Street' will be built on time as the private developer has a financial interest in getting the project up and running. When private companies build for the government, they usually quote 25% above the normal price but there is also normally penalty clauses written into most government construction tenders.

When I was in the Army that was the way that construction of defence facilities was managed. The company that rebuilt Kapooka back in the mid 90's was fined almost 20% of the construction cost for going over time from what they were contracted to do.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/spence0904031.jpg

is this station where the trains enter and exit the underground city loop?

yarp, 3 of the 4 loops surface here:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/aaa.jpg

bumped so as thread wont get deleted

They have done some work down there!

Posted by kuldalai from railpage forums.



Junior Train Contoller


Joined: 14 Jan 2003
Posts: 158

Posted: Mon May 05, 2003 11:19 pm Post subject: Spencer St Trackworks - Update

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last weekend (04/05) saw the completion of the projects to shorten platforms 2 - 7 at the south ends to allow construction of a new wide southern passenger concourse for the new station.
Whereas the platforms did not align previously they now all align in a straight line from platform 2 - 7 . The works undertaken since early this year in summary are : (measurements approximate)
Platform 2 - shorten by 55m relocate centre crossover and loco release northward.
Remove crossover between 2a & 2b roads.
Shorten loco storage section of 2b road at south end.
Platform - 3 - shorten by 40m relocate centre crossover and loco release northward.
Platforms 4 & 5. - shorten each by 30m replace two crossovers to centre track 4a with one Y junction located northward of former crossovers (2 of)
Remove south end loco storage section of 4a road.
Platform 6 & 7 - shorten 6 by 40m and 7 by 35m. Replace Y junction to centre road 6a with crossover to 6 platform and standard turnout to plat 7.

The existing platform 1 goes in due course is to be replaced by a new platform 1 using the backside of plat 2 as an island platform from Lonsdale St to Bourke St. Plans show that to
make up for the shortenings of platforms - eventually 2 , 7 & 8 get extended at north end. Plat 8 gets extended at south end. & a new platform is created along the alignment of the old electric parcel motor dock. This will maintain total length of country and interstate platforms at 2735m and platform 2 at 410m to hold sg loco hauled interstate trains

yeah, you can only really get a grasp of what's been done internally up close - as the god f'ersaken roof is still up - when that goes, you know things are coming along v nicely ;)

tays

I'm on the mailing list for the Spencer Street Station redevelopments and just got this email re a fun day:
________________________________

A free Family Fun Day will be held at Spencer Street Station on SUNDAY 11 MAY, to celebrate the official opening of the Spencer Street Station
Redevelopment's Public Display Gallery.

Located on Level One of the Spencer Street Station building, the Public Display Gallery will showcase the major transformation unfolding on site.

FREE activities will be offered at the station on Sunday between 11am and 4pm, including a model railway display, performers, miniature train rides, face painting, a sausage sizzle and balloons.

The Family Fun Day is being hosted by Civic Nexus, the private consortium undertaking the redevelopment in partnership with the Victorian Government.
_______________________________

Good to know when the display will be up. Will have to go and check it out. Whoever get's there first, can they take some pics?

Thanks.

James.

It seems like a hell of a lot of work has been done along Collins Street. The roof of some platforms and the platforms them selves have been removed in recent days.

Hmm,, I wonder what Mum's doing on Sunday.

and the HUN article:

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6412396%255E2862,00.html

Southern Cross arrives
By CHRIS TINKLER and KAITLYN OPIE
11may03

VICTORIANS are being given a new view inside the grand railway hall of what is being hailed as "Melbourne's first real central station".

Striking images of the new $700 million Spencer St Station will be on show for the first time today at the launch of the on-site gallery.
The public opening comes as developer Civic Nexus reveals:

ALMOST a fifth of the 43,000 sqm curved roof will be transparent, with the rest made of aluminium.

ABOUT 5000 sqm of glass will be used for the walls along Collins and Spencer Sts.

MORE than 30,000 sqm of tiling will be laid.

Work on the complex, to be renamed Southern Cross Station, began in October and will run to mid-2005.

Developments at the 144-year-old station will include a retail plaza, multi-storey car parking, revamped bus link, two apartment towers and an office block.

Project ambassador Steve Moneghetti opens the gallery with a free fun day, including performers and miniature train rides, at 11am today.

Mr Moneghetti hailed the project as "Melbourne's first real central station".

"This project will truly redefine rail travel by providing Victorians with a grand arrival experience in a facility that will be world class," he said.

The first 500 children attending the day will each pick up a free ticket (with a paying adult) to Melbourne Aquarium, with more discounts on offer.

Hmm, that 20% transparent roof thing is confusing. Here's one pic that shows the whole roof covered:

http://www.bonsaisite.com/towers/scmodel.jpg

and here's another where they exposed half so you could see the platforms:

http://www.bonsaisite.com/towers/sxm.jpg

Will the roof's transparency look similar to this then??

OR does it mean that the whole roof is transparent "and the rest will be aluminium" i.e. the latticework takes up 4/5 of the roof

nah when the Model was at Town Hall, they originally had the full roof covered, and I remember I went in a few weeks later and they took it off to show underneath (it's just a part of the model - it's all modular etc)

tays

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

The model, together with a video are on show at Spencer Street Station. I just poped in there today to have a look and the model looks great. Constrcution at the Collins Street end of the site is well under way.

Had a look at the display at Spencer St .
It does look like the project will totally change the whole atmosphere at that end of town- much to the better I feel.
Now we need to get something built on that old rundown pub site on the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets. Does the Government of Nauru still own that property?

Office Tower + Retail Podium is planned here. 'Savoy Tower'. What is the deal with this project anyway, is it still going ahead?

Blue

Don't hold your breath.. It'll probably have to wait till the next cycle now.. but It'll happen eventually ..

Probably the biggest near-miss in the last cycle, other than maybe Grand Central itself ..

They've definitely started on the station. Here's a shot from Collins bridge today:

http://pnavy.com/prburt/albums/album02/IMGP0204.sized.jpg

they sure as hell have reduced the length of the interstate / country platforms for the concourse eh.

still waiting for them to demo the old brown / orange terminal building (then it's time to rejoice :D)

thanks for the pic Phil!

tays

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

It's about bluddy time. The book I have on Melbourne's history notes that Spencer Street Station was run-down and decrepit...in 1956!!! I can't wait till they rip the guts out of that dodgy station and replace it with something almost 'world class'.

And it's about time we got those regional high speed rail projects moving! Those V-Line trains deserved to go about now!

It seems when the first cable trams were taken off and replaced by electric tram, the same fleet had been service nearly 30 years, and the first tram had travelled 1.5 million miles worth of service! So I see a trend...!

Another useless fact has just popped into my head: The 200 acre land that constitutes the CBD had nearly 200 miles worth of roads/lanes/alleys in 1956. And Exhibition St used to be called Collins Place up to Collins Street before they changed its name!
More useless Melbourne facts to come...some day.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>.......And Exhibition St used to be called Collins Place up to Collins Street before they changed its name!</td></tr>
</table>
Exhibition Street was originally called Stephenson Street not Collins Place!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>.......And Exhibition St used to be called Collins Place up to Collins Street before they changed its name!</td></tr>
</table>
Exhibition Street was originally called Stephenson Street not Collins Place!</td></tr>
</table>
Yeah, that's before it was called Collins Place north of Collins St.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>.......And Exhibition St used to be called Collins Place up to Collins Street before they changed its name!</td></tr>
</table>
Exhibition Street was originally called Stephenson Street not Collins Place!</td></tr>
</table>

It was actually 'Stephen Street'.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

So excuse my ignorance for not knowing and not looking back through every page..

But from the model it looks like the funky 'Whales Ribs' Red Bridge to Telstra Dome from Spencer St is going to be pulled apart and replaced by an enclosed bridge in that model.

Is this the case? Or am I looking at the wrong part of the model ?

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by A-brain </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>So excuse my ignorance for not knowing and not looking back through every page..

But from the model it looks like the funky 'Whales Ribs' Red Bridge to Telstra Dome from Spencer St is going to be pulled apart and replaced by an enclosed bridge in that model.

Is this the case? Or am I looking at the wrong part of the model ?</td></tr>
</table>
Yep, that bridge that wone design awards is to be redesigned :( I think it looks fine. Why do we need to double spend yet again???

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by A-brain </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>So excuse my ignorance for not knowing and not looking back through every page..

But from the model it looks like the funky 'Whales Ribs' Red Bridge to Telstra Dome from Spencer St is going to be pulled apart and replaced by an enclosed bridge in that model.

Is this the case? Or am I looking at the wrong part of the model ?</td></tr>
</table>
Yep, that bridge that wone design awards is to be redesigned :( I think it looks fine. Why do we need to double spend yet again???</td></tr>
</table>
Bourke St Extension being a pedobridge was the Stoopidest thing I ever heard, but what we got was good as far as pedobridges go. I suspect that what they'll do is roof it over ala Kingsway through Crown, but they won't tear it down.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by A-brain </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>So excuse my ignorance for not knowing and not looking back through every page..

But from the model it looks like the funky 'Whales Ribs' Red Bridge to Telstra Dome from Spencer St is going to be pulled apart and replaced by an enclosed bridge in that model.

Is this the case? Or am I looking at the wrong part of the model ?</td></tr>
</table>
Yep, that bridge that wone design awards is to be redesigned :( I think it looks fine. Why do we need to double spend yet again???</td></tr>
</table>
Bourke St Extension being a pedobridge was the Stoopidest thing I ever heard, but what we got was good as far as pedobridges go. I suspect that what they'll do is roof it over ala Kingsway through Crown, but they won't tear it down.</td></tr>
</table>
Yeah I reckon you are right BB it would cost too much to replace it they will probably add a few retail outlets as well.

The model of the redeveloped station clearly shows that the structure of the bridge will be stripped bare and they will build a new canopy, ramps and steps to match the new station. From what I can see in the model, none of the old will remain.

It's a pity that bridge has to go, but the design won't really match the rest of the new station and it's going to be completely covered providing a link between the station and the bus terminal. They should take the structure apart and use it for the new bridge over the Jolimont railyards:

The bridge over the Jolimont railyards will start at the Birrarung Marr park and stretch to the MCG.

About 350m long and up to 12m wide, the bridge will start near Birrarung Marr's chimes, overlooking the Batman Ave extension about 150m past the intersection of Exhibition and Flinders streets.

It will extend through the back of the tennis centre with stairs to other sporting venues and public transport.

http://www.mcg.org.au/content/image/00000300-image.jpg

the first visible sign of construction; first concrete pump for one of the massive columns that will support the roof. Each column is integrated into a 1.5-2m reo box that in turn is connected to nine separate pilings in that small area. Seems to be a very robust structure, I guess they're building this thing to last into the next millemium. :cool:

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030521.JPG

Bring it on!! :rock:

This is one project I get very nervous about when I see inactivity.. being a Bracks Baby

PS. I like the 'wall' along Spencer St there in the background .. nice angle..

This is a very exciting project and it's good to see work PROGRESSING steadily if not spectacularly. The model is impressive, if a bit out there, and it will be interesting to see how well it translates to real life. It's one of those projects that needs to be done right, as there's only one of them.

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<tr><td align=left valign=top>

PS. I like the 'wall' along Spencer St there in the background .. nice angle..</td></tr>
</table>

It'd be much better with Savoy! :(

REmoving the Bourke St Pedobridge is stoopid...how can they even continue the charade that it's the "Bourke St Extension"?! Anyway, Tays, remind me again...SAVOY IS DEAD, NO?

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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>REmoving the Bourke St Pedobridge is stoopid...how can they even continue the charade that it's the "Bourke St Extension"?!</td></tr>
</table>
The Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge is not being removed!

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

This might be of some help to Fotty fans



More delays likely for Dome
10:29:53 AM Thu 5 June, 2003
Samantha Lane
afl.com.au
Related Content:

Spencer Street Station platform closures: the details

Thousands of AFL fans attending matches at Telstra Dome will face major delays and inconvenience in the next three months due to the multi-million dollar redevelopment of nearby Spencer Street Station.

Upcoming stages of what will be a complete station makeover will result in the total and partial closure of 12 suburban and two regional train lines, staggered over a three month period. The staggered closures will minimise disruption, but some fans accessing the Dome will be prevented from alighting at the station, which is a short walk from the southern entrance of the ground.


It is believed that at least 10 per cent of fans attending any match at Telstra Dome during this period would be affected by the platform closures. A spokesman at transport operators Connex told afl.com.au that 4200 people departed from platforms nine and ten after the Collingwood-St Kilda match in round nine, which was attended by 46,000 people.

Spectators travelling on the Epping, Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Glen Waverley, Werribee, St Albans, Broadmeadows, Upfield, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston lines will face significantly increased travel time when they are forced to catch specially chartered coaches from Flinders Street Station or use trams from Flagstaff Station, after their trains bypass the Spencer Street stop.

The 32-month, $350 million dollar project is due to be completed midway through 2005, when the station will be renamed Southern Cross Station.

The inconveniences will begin when the Wallabies play England in a rugby test match on Saturday June 21, with a capacity crowd of 50,000 expected at Telstra Dome.

The platform closures will first affect footy fans in round 14, when platforms nine and ten are closed and an expected crowd of 45,000 will watch finals contenders Collingwood and the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome.

But disruptions will be greatly amplified in what shapes to be a horror month in August, when the stadium hosts a number of important clashes in the lead-up to the AFL finals series.

Platforms 11 and 12 will be totally closed, forcing footy-goers using the Werribee, St Albans, Broadmeadow, Upfield, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston lines (run by M-trains) to seek alternative routes to Telstra Dome.

Ten matches are scheduled at the Dome in August, including a night match between Collingwood and Geelong, expected to draw a crowd of more than 40,000 and games between potential finalists Collingwood and Adelaide, Essendon and Fremantle, and Richmond and Port Adelaide.

As in June, all trains servicing the platforms will bypass Spencer Street Station, and stop at Flagstaff or Flinders Street. Dedicated Telstra Dome coach services will again be provided between the Flinders and Spencer Street Stations.

Sources at Leighton Construction say there will be more pressure on the station when spectators leave the ground, but believe Telstra Dome operators will be more concerned about the stadium’s image when people are arriving - and potentially missing the start of games due to congestion.

Telstra Dome officials are currently deciding the most effective means of minimising confusion and informing spectators about the major changes. They were unavailable for comment.

Leighton Contractors have considered doing seat drops of information on the regional train services, and have been advertising the June inconveniences with large signage at Spencer Street Station.

Commuters on the regional Geelong and Warrnambool lines will also be inconvenienced during July, when two thirds of platforms seven and eight at Spencer Street Station will be closed during the installation of roof support piles.

Passengers will be free to alight at Spencer Street, but will only have access to the northern end of the platform, and need to exit using stairs. People will mobility difficulties, such as the elderly, disabled or those with prams, will be shuttled by golf buggies to exits or other platforms.

The average spectator may also experience delays due to the increased number of people in a smaller area.

Seven matches are scheduled at Telstra Dome during the reconstruction of platforms seven and eight, but the most troublesome is set for July 12 when Richmond meet Geelong and many fans will use the V-Line service from Geelong. The estimated attendance is 40,000.

The arrival of these trains could potentially be scheduled at an alternative platform.

The total platform shutdowns will be affected from when the last train departs on Friday night until the first train arrives on Monday morning. The coach services will be provided from Flinders Street Station back to the bridge linking Bourke Street and Telstra Dome.

The much-maligned stadium came under heat after the Easter weekend, when lengthy queues at ticket boxes prevented some fans from entering the Richmond-St Kilda clash until the second quarter.

Telstra Dome chief Ian Collins cited the late arrival of spectators and their reluctance to pre-purchase tickets as the main reasons for the delays. The AFL has encouraged the set up of more temporary ticket booths around the venue in order to reduce queuing and entry times.

Leighton Construction is prevented from doing any work on the development during the September finals period, Melbourne Cup day and the Grand Prix weekend.

bearbrass: can you please add the source link if you're going to post a whole article ?

thanks

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>bearbrass: can you please add the source link if you're going to post a whole article ?

thanks</td></tr>
</table>
Sorry, I though that afl.com.au at the top of the page would have been good enough.

I spose [I admit I'm getting a bit picky lol], but the more info on the source, the better!

cheers

Bloody excellent! This "multi-million $" project has finally begun. YAY!

Good riddance to the old 60's Spencer Street Station! It won't be sadly missed - However, I hope some of the tile/mural work is kept though within the main concourse, despite.

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<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by museumb </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Bloody excellent! This "multi-million $" project has finally begun. YAY!

Good riddance to the old 60's Spencer Street Station! It won't be sadly missed - However, I hope some of the tile/mural work is kept though within the main concourse, despite.</td></tr>
</table>
The large mural will be incorporated into the new station concourse.

Yippeeeee! http://dj.comtv.ru/smales/party/luxhello.gif

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by museumb </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Yippeeeee! http://dj.comtv.ru/smales/party/luxhello.gif</td></tr>
</table>

Ditto.. twofold!!

This news article is the most postive thing I've heard about construction proceeding at full tilt.. rather than just some of the pottering around they've been doing at the southern end so far..

work has commenced demolishing buildings on Spencer st opposite Lonsdale, through the railyards past the La Trobe st extension and around the Collins Rise site. so work is covering the whole 2-3 blocks now, rather than the Spencer/Collins corner.

pics from the last week

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030703=4.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030624.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030630.JPG

Excellent news. There seems to be plenty of action around the 2 city block site.

Suggest Melbourne City have a look at another Bracks failure!:soapbox:

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

YAY :) Some decent work is happening! Atleast Bracks hasn't managed to stuff this one up...

It should be great when its completed. A station the rest of the world will look to for their own rail upgrades.

Once Southern Cross is done, and the fast rail to La Trobe Valley, Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and the re-opened rail lines to Bairnsdale, Ararat, Mildura and Leongattha, we'll have to shift focus to upgrading the suburban network.

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

I just hope that the fast train projects get completed on time!!!

There was an add in today's paper about connex not having any trains on the city loop all this weekend, the reason, Station platform works and track works on platforms 1 and 2 at Specer street! So it is all happening!

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by kasperluke </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>There was an add in today's paper about connex not having any trains on the city loop all this weekend, the reason, Station platform works and track works on platforms 1 and 2 at Specer street! So it is all happening!</td></tr>
</table>

certainly is happening, they've started whapping supports up just as you go beyond the barriers in the Pedo subway.

Some nice new renderings:

http://www.winstruc.com/winport1/winport1_01c.jpg

http://www.winstruc.com/winport1/winport1_01d.jpg

http://www.winstruc.com/winport1/winport1_01a.jpg

http://www.winstruc.com/winport1/winport1_01b.jpg

2nd pic: unless they're not the foundations that are being done right now, those supports for the roof dont look as big in the rendering than in the flesh!

Originally posted by Grollo
Some nice new renderings:

***snip***


ooohhhh...

ahhhh....

very noice.

If only the underground loop had a station at Southern Cross Station we'd be able to call the line " The Boob Tube". :D :D :D


http://www.winstruc.com/winport1/winport1_01b.jpg

Guys, thats just awesome. You are very fortunate to be having a devolopment like this happenin in Melbourne. good stuff! :D

Originally posted by SydneyDude
Guys, thats just awesome. You are very fortunate to be having a devolopment like this happenin in Melbourne. good stuff! :D

Yes I agree! I am ever so jealous. I want one too! :)

Originally posted by SinCity
Yes I agree! I am ever so jealous. I want one too! :)

Yeah and thats only a render of the station it also has a coulpe of decent sized towers as well.
With all this development in and around the CBD and Docklands Melbourne is undergoing some of its most significant changes in its entire history.

Melbourne is really going gangbusters but how long can this current cycle keep going at this rate?

Swinehead, it's infrastructure development - always sustainable as long as it's funded! Great new renderings, Grollo! Shows that the trusses will be something special, but I worry about that dodgy roof...not that impressive IMHO.

Nice view from my fav vantage point today. There' some slabolicious action coming up, just about ready for some big slab pours on the ground floor here that'll really kick things off.
Lots of reo all over the Southern end of station bounding the Collins St rise.

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

Originally posted by Adamonline
He he he ... :D Looking forward to seeing those baby's. It will just be a pervert's paradise from the top of Rialto looking down on those chest puppies ... :D :D :D :D :D
LOL!!!:D

not sure if this render has been posted yet...
http://www.winstruc.com/winpics/wincontent1.jpg

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030802=3.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/scs_20030802=9.JPG

exxcelllleennnttt.

No stopping now! :D

Looks like they're going to start on the "outside" and work inwards towards Spencer Street,

Platforms 11 & 12, which are: Broadmeadows, Upfield, Werribee, Sydenham, Frankston, Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, are going to be closed from August 2 to August 31.

http://www.movingmelbourne.com.au/files/augnews.pdf

Sweet, quicker trips around the loop for a month :D

Was as the big game last night (umpire's are bastards) and they were going to town on platforms 11-12. Pulling down the roof from the Collins St end, about a third of it GORN already.
Good to see action aplenty at all hours, as well as the big juicy slab poured during the last few days.

WOO HOO!

They didnt take long to remove the Plat. 11 & 12 "crapness"!

What's it been ? a Day or two ? and all the old roofing, and half the platforms have been ripped down.

:guns1:

on the train home today, it had to stop for 5 seconds to prep / time for loop run and got a good geeza at the site. There's a large piling rig at the Southern end of the platform (looks suspiciously like they'll start doing some Office foundations), rubble everywhere - a great sight ;)

I reckon that there is no way this project will run over time considering it is a private commercial development.

this thread joed!

Anyhow, pics from new site: http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/default.asp <-- I WANT that intro!

Bye bye:

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3267965880.JPG

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3267965935.JPG

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3257750975.jpg

Demo of Plats 11 & 12:

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3269504303.JPG

EDIT: holy shit that pic's huge! lol

I wonder why the web site is spencerstreetstation.com.au and not southerncrossstation.com.au?

Could there be another name change on the cards?

lol who knows, I'm surprised we're still "Victoria - The Place to be" on the number-plates / State logo / bla ;)

___

I only just realised, but this rendering is from Bourke Place (sort of ) :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/sxstation6.jpg

Originally posted by Grollo
I wonder why the web site is spencerstreetstation.com.au and not southerncrossstation.com.au?

Could there be another name change on the cards?

I think Grollo that until it is finished and officially handed over it still be the Spencer Street Station.

Originally posted by tayser
lol who knows, I'm surprised we're still "Victoria - The Place to be" on the number-plates / State logo / bla ;)

___

I only just realised, but this rendering is from Bourke Place (sort of ) :D

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/sxstation6.jpg



From that rendering tayser it looks like the Bourke St walkway will really be demolished - what a waste!

barely demolished, more like built "over" (new roofing etc) AFAIK / from the looks.

tays

Would be a lot cheaper to try and incorporate it into the project you would reckon. Looks like there might be another access further along as well trouble it looks also if it goes half way across telstra dome!Or maybe it will connect directly to the dome.

The Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge will be roofed over to match the new station and a new Lonsdale Street Pedestrian Bridge will be built linked to the Docklands (oops) Testra Stadium (oops) Dome concourse. All of this is clearly evident in the model on display somewhere!!!

Originally posted by chrisaus
not sure if this render has been posted yet...
http://www.winstruc.com/winpics/wincontent1.jpg

W O W ! ! ! !

If this is an expample of what the new station will look like, people will be flocking to our great city just to check out the station itself! Not to mention the big E too :D When is the station due to be completed?

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/sxstation1808031.jpg

All I can say is: IT WILL BE GOOD! :D

Btw, do you notice that BoM at 700 Collins is right up against the new Collins St Bridge, in the sense that you can access it directly from the bridge...so does that mean that those yellow barriers on either side of the bridge (essentially little metal "slats") are designed so that they can be removed in the future? Brilliant stuff! I can't wait until it's lined with buildings on both sides! How about an old Victorian townhouse built over the railyards (airspace)?! hehehehe

will u be able to access the CSB from the southern cross station? ie. via esculators or something? if so it will help link the precints pretty well, still think they should have sunk the rail altogether, but hey you can't get everything when your dealing with pollies....

Originally posted by Blabbyboy
All I can say is: IT WILL BE GOOD! :D

Btw, do you notice that BoM at 700 Collins is right up against the new Collins St Bridge, in the sense that you can access it directly from the bridge...so does that mean that those yellow barriers on either side of the bridge (essentially little metal "slats") are designed so that they can be removed in the future? Brilliant stuff! I can't wait until it's lined with buildings on both sides! How about an old Victorian townhouse built over the railyards (airspace)?! hehehehe

Yep...That was there aim! Eventually may take A LONG LONG time but Collins street bridge is suposed to look like the current Collins street but the only difference would be that is looks like it goes up hill..which is exactly what it would have done if they didn't bulldoze Batman's hill when the constructed Victoria Dock! Some 80 years ago!

It should look great in 20 years time!

Great pic's Tays! Using that Rialto VIP pass to perfection!

BTW, 700 Collins found a buyer - sold for $133 mil!

I had an interesting discussion with my cousin's fiance yesterday. She told me that her brother was either THE or one of the designers (can't remember exactly what she said) of the roof for SCS and the funny thing is, the reason for the curvy design was due to it reminding him if of women (their curves [just in case you were wondering])!!:rotf: :laugh:

Is going to look quite brilliant when completed!!

Message cancelled, membership voluntarily withdrawn.

Originally posted by ciaobellaxo
I had an interesting discussion with my cousin's fiance yesterday. She told me that her brother was either THE or one of the designers (can't remember exactly what she said) of the roof for SCS and the funny thing is, the reason for the curvy design was due to it reminding him if of women (their curves [just in case you were wondering])!!:rotf: :laugh:

Is going to look quite brilliant when completed!!
Well, not unless your cousin's fiance is Nick Grimshaw or Daryl Jackson...heheheh :D

He could work for Winward Structures who did the structural design of the roof.

Its amazing how many people have mentioned about the Southern Cross name.If one was in London you have Charing Cross station,Kings Cross station and you have a Kings Cross station in Sydney.The Southern Cross is the State Symbol of Victoria.I remember the Southern Cross Hotel was a Melbourne landmark for a long time after it was built in 1960.So the new station deserves a good name.

Originally posted by kota16
Its amazing how many people have mentioned about the Southern Cross name.If one was in London you have Charing Cross station,Kings Cross station and you have a Kings Cross station in Sydney.The Southern Cross is the State Symbol of Victoria.I remember the Southern Cross Hotel was a Melbourne landmark for a long time after it was built in 1960.So the new station deserves a good name.

Good call kota16

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some people might get confused between Victoria Central and Melbourne Central. Southern Cross Stn is a great name!

Well as SCS does connect Melbourne to the towns and cities south of port phillip bay (Geelong, etc.), I think the name is fitting. :)

Oh my God,fancy wanting to use that name Victoria again(Victoria Central).As well as being the name of the state,it is used in street names over 100 times in Melbourne metropolitan area.It is such a common name all over the world.Like you have Victoria as the capital of BC,Canada,as well as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.There are many more,and here you Vics have the opportunity to show some originallity,and you are wanting to keep a reputation as being a dull population.I hope they put a big neon sign on the roof with the Southern Cross logo,it will be a some colour to see for travellers passing by.

Hey guys!

You all know it'll come to be known simply as 'the cross' don't you??

MG2

like hell it will!

There's already cynics up north [Sydney press - SMH & AFR] already labelling Docklands a Syd. Harbour try-hard, we don't want to add more fuel to their pety little fire!

:)

tays

Originally posted by tayser
like hell it will!

There's already cynics up north [Sydney press - SMH & AFR] already labelling Docklands a Syd. Harbour try-hard, we don't want to add more fuel to their pety little fire!

:)

tays

Bit harsh there tays. Can't say I've read that sort of stuff up here! :?

Originally posted by spazpecker
Bit harsh there tays. Can't say I've read that sort of stuff up here! :?

its all in there silly little minds:baaa:

Originally posted by spazpecker
Bit harsh there tays. Can't say I've read that sort of stuff up here! :?

see below.

Originally posted by chrisaus
its all in there silly little minds

You're the one who posted the latest article ;)

http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56017

Docklands, an infant growing up
It's been argued that Melbourne's Docklands started out as a counter to Sydney-envy. Like its northern counterpart, Docklands opens up Melbourne's square bunker of a CBD to the water and even plants a vast new bridge - the Bolte - on the horizon, creating unexpected Sydneyesque views.

The 200-hectare Docklands urban redevelopment project doubles the city centre's area and moves it away from the rigid grid imposed by the city's first planner, Robert Hoddle, in 1837.

But without the balmy Sydneyesque weather, Docklands faces a huge challenge. Winds blowing off the Southern Ocean might keep the new suburb cool in summer but the ambience in winter can be far from comfortable.


From the Sydney, err I mean Australian Financial Review.

hardly harsh at all, what's more interesting is that more zealots from this board haven't already rammed that thread to oblivion...

:baaa: indeed.

Gotta put that kind of stuff into perspective.

I'm trying to understand what's outrageously wrong with the quote or whole article?

It intros as "It could be ARGUED that Melbourne's Docklands STARTED out...as yadda, yadda...."

The rest of the article is quite non-descript.

Although true about the weather/winds, they're just giving the reader a picture. Weather descriptions always make for effective writing. We know only too well that during winter Sydney gets its fair share of Pacific and snowfield winds....and of late, cyclonic winds :(

Anyway.....

If we went gah-gah @ every 2-bit journo's editorials going blah blah with their catchy colourful language we all be up shit creek. I would take something like that with a grain of not-even-salt. Is it JUST because somebody is comparing Sydney to Melbourne...is that the main crux tays? If that were the case, I would see it as mutually complimentary.

When reading the press, I peruse with "Today's news is tomorrow's garbage wrap" as my mantra and make up my own mind.

**BTW Any groovy updates about the fancy-schmancy glass office buildings planned as part of the Southern Cross Station development?

Originally posted by tayser
see below.



You're the one who posted the latest article ;)

http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56017



From the Sydney, err I mean Australian Financial Review.

hardly harsh at all, what's more interesting is that more zealots from this board haven't already rammed that thread to oblivion...

:baaa: indeed.
I read that article too, it's more Sydney-centric rubbish again.

It's just written by Sydney journo's perspective. Can't see how it's translated as Sydney-centric.

*sigh*

Originally posted by museumb
I'm trying to understand what's outrageously wrong with the quote or whole article?

what you said here:

It's just written by Sydney journo's perspective. Can't see how it's translated as Sydney-centric.

Why does a National newspaper's reports have to have a "Sydney Journo's" perspective included ? What's the target audience of the article (and many others like it) ? Sydney-sidders, or a National audience ?

As someone has been quoted as saying on the media spy forums, "National Media - it's so Sydney-centric you can taste it"

bah bah bah!

[/rant]

meanwhile:

Platform 11 and 12's Pedo subway access ramps have been filled in, with some enormous fekking piles been driven into the voids to hold up Boob tube (lol maybach).

Just hope they tear down the old platforms and whack up some new consistently level concrete platforms instead. Will soon fine out methinks

tays

Are we supposed to 'One Nation' whitewash everything and not have differing perspectives :? It's understood to the reader it's from a Sydney perspective - it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to piece that one together.

I think you want really, really want it to translate as Sydney-centric whereas to a Sydney-sider it just reads like a Sydney person's, well, perspective....nothing particularly to incite anger from the Melburnian forumers.

urrr, oh yeah...

Boob-tubes....

BTW Any groovy updates about the fancy-schmancy glass office buildings planned as part of the Southern Cross Station development?

The article is totally in context.
The entire Docklands marketing pitch is about bringing the water to the Melbourne CBD. I've heard heaps of Vic's ( inc a number of forumers ! ) referring to how Docklands will be Melbourne's answer to Sydney Harbour. This has been reported extensively in the Melbourne based media for almost 5 years now ( Today Tonight ran a story on it 3 weeks ago and mentioned "Sydney" more than once !) , very plainly advertised in marketing and referred to multiple times by high profile people ranging from Delahunty to Bracks to Eddie Maguire to Steve Vizard !
The comparisons between Melb and Sydney , in this instance, clearly originate from Melbourne. I've heard very little direct comparisons from up this way.
Hence the article is reported in context to which it has been reported in the past and the fact that a Sydney based national newspaper has reported it is totally irrelevant- it has been reported for a national readership and NOT a Sydney readership.

What if I told you that THIS article was written by a Melbourne based AFR journalist ( who also writes for the 'local' Melbourne rag ) AND that the AFR sells just as well in Melbourne ( on a per capita basis) as it does in Sydney ?

I am really dissapointed with some of the attitudes I'm seeing here. It's really inflammatory stuff that raises its head and seems to have a universe of it's own !

Just my opinion, with the least amount of bias as I can offer. Nuff said. Slay me if you want, I've said my bit and have moved on.

On the topic of Southern Cross >>> :cool:

Continue the non-SX related talk here: http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56517

ModNazi mode: let's keep it on topic shall we ? :runaway: ;)

So!! We gather there are no updates on the proposed office components. Not even any preliminary work like space for foundations appearing?

...and being a public works undertaking, like is this going take a relatively long time in the coming or is its progression of worthy note? Any private sector dosh heading SX's way as well?

Originally posted by museumb
So!! We gather there are no updates on the proposed office components. Not even any preliminary work like space for foundations appearing?

...and being a public works undertaking, like is this going take a relatively long time in the coming or is its progression of worthy note? Any private sector dosh heading SX's way as well?

Its NOT a public works project it is totally privately funded and the developers get to run the complex for 30 years. They will no doubt start the office towers component when they are ready.

Thanks for clearing that bearbrass :okay: ...due to my innocent ignorance, in just being the SX Station redevelopment, I just (incorectly) assumed there would have been @ least some government funds invloved in its redevelopment.

Much appreciated :) ... thanks again!

Originally posted by museumb
Thanks for clearing that bearbrass :okay: ...due to my innocent ignorance, in just being the SX Station redevelopment, I just (incorectly) assumed there would have been @ least some government funds invloved in its redevelopment.

Much appreciated :) ... thanks again!
Thanks. The Government input ofcourse is in supplying the site for free.
Sorry I was a bit terse but Im sick of Bracks Govt haters(not You) on this forum blaming them for any delays even for private projects like SX and the MCG its a wonder Bracks dosent also get blamed for Grollos dragging their feet on Eureka.

Well,

Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston are now stopping on Platform 12 again, and Broady, Sydenham, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown on Platform 11.

The massive pile I was talking about above is now "boarded" up and people are walking around it down the old pedo subway ramps, interesting way of keeping the old stuff up whilst continuing to rebuild the new stuff!

I dunno if it's temporary or not, but there's a steal frame up over the platform too, and as the whole station's going to be enveloped by boob tube, I'm more inclined to think it's a temp job over Platforms 11 and 12.

tays

Wow. It's been some time since we've had a post on the SCS thread. Anyone got any recent pics or news???:D

yep ;)

They're starting on the busbays soon :guns1: (The busbay is in the basement / mezz level underneath the twin residential towers)

Media Release PDF with lots of pretty pictures: http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/media/ConstructionItem3270710076.pdf

I think that the good news is that we will get the roof first, before they do the platforms and most of the exterior work.

This means that certainly by this time next year, we will have a pretty clear picture of what the station will be like. It may seem as though progress is a little slow right now but they have to put the cement and foundations in place gor the huge pylons that will support the prefabricated roof. The rook will go up surprisingly quick with many sections made off the site.

Originally posted by tayser
Well,

Pakenham, Cranbourne and Frankston are now stopping on Platform 12 again, and Broady, Sydenham, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown on Platform 11.

The massive pile I was talking about above is now "boarded" up and people are walking around it down the old pedo subway ramps, interesting way of keeping the old stuff up whilst continuing to rebuild the new stuff!

I dunno if it's temporary or not, but there's a steal frame up over the platform too, and as the whole station's going to be enveloped by boob tube, I'm more inclined to think it's a temp job over Platforms 11 and 12.

tays

From what I saw today it looked pretty much temporary. It'll probably be taken apart in a few months.

The bad news:
TOWERS DUMPED FROM SPENCER STREET STATION REDVELOPMENT

The good news:
New residential tower NORTH of Lonsdale Street.

Well there has been a total redesign of the area north of Bourke Street with the office tower and both residential towers removed form the plans and replaced with low rise buildings.

The good news is that a new residential tower has been proposed NORTH of Lonsdale Street, an area that wasn't part of the origonal plans.

The redesign includes:

- The high-rise 36 storey office building on the Collins Street frontage has been revised to a low-rise 7 storey ‘campus style’ office building (with 3 car park levels) extending between Collins Street and the Bourke Street pedestrian bridge and fronting Wurundjeri Way, with the creation of a new public pedestrian link between Collins and Bourke Streets.

- The deletion of the two 36 storey residential towers fronting Spencer Street between Bourke and Lonsdale Streets, with a modified design layout of the retail area and relocation of some uses to provide the opportunity for a variable roof form structure;

- The deletion of vehicular crossing movements on the Lonsdale Street pedestrian link and deletion of loading bays on the upper concourse retail level;

- The rationalisation of the 800 space public car park into one podium level, below the retail level;

- The inclusion of the area north of the Lonsdale Street pedestrian link for the purpose of retail use with a single 36 storey residential tower above podium level;

- The introduction of a low rise residential hotel above podium level to the area south of the Lonsdale Street pedestrian link;

I think it will result in a much better development, as it will allow the area north of Bourke was a real mess in the old plans, the towers were ugly and badly positioned. The new plan results in the awesome roof being given more room to shine, without being overshadowed by large buildings and larger area of the rail yards being redeveloped (and clears the way for the redevelopment of the Australia Post site on Latrobe Street :-)

Other benefits:

- The extension of the area covered by the Incorporated Plans to include the area between Lonsdale Street and the Melbourne City Mail Centre will provide increased retail activation of Spencer Street and more efficient location for retail premises at podium level and rationalisation of the public car park across one podium level;

- A new food court area with open aspect to the Spencer Street frontage will provide a higher level of internal amenity for rail and bus users and retail customers, and will also draw visitors and CBD workers and residents;

- The deletion of retail uses abutting the north side of the Bourke Street pedestrian link will retain the open aspect and views towards the Stadium;

- The general public will benefit from the revised office building as it will now provide for a weather protected public walkway above the level of rail operations, enclosed below the office car park levels, to link Collins Street with the Bourke Street pedestrian link, giving access to the Stadium and remainder of the Docklands area to the west;

- The Spencer Street Station Precinct is now proposed to be a predominantly low-rise building form across two new city blocks between Collins and Lonsdale Streets, which will improve any potential adverse local environment affects including overshadowing and wind sheer.

I couldn't care less about the Residentials, but the office tower is a real bastard that it's been axed.... :(

Big deal.. they wouldnt have got off the ground at that height for quite some time anyway..

Save the demand for other more logical locations like Batman's Hill & the 'Collins St parcel' down opposite Liberty ..

Interesting Grollo. Thanks for that. It shows that the developers are at least thinking things through for Spencer St.

Yeah, couldn't care less for the residentials either...

bad news about the towers but none the less and amazing project. can't wait to see it when finished!! melbourne has the sports and financial etc.. precints and currently that area is best called the 3rd world precint, so it will be good to see that change. should trigger alot more development to. I would like to see the council invest some money in upgrading the streetscape ....

Originally posted by chrisaus
bad news about the towers but none the less and amazing project. can't wait to see it when finished!! melbourne has the sports and financial etc.. precints and currently that area is best called the 3rd world precint, so it will be good to see that change. should trigger alot more development to. I would like to see the council invest some money in upgrading the streetscape ....

Good idea Chris but the MCC still seems unable find enough time to stop fighting among thelselves to have any vision for the city. I can see the Government having to sack them again if they dont smarten their act up soon.

This is great news, but I am a little concerned about the area north of Lonsdale Street and the area between Bourke St & Lonsdale Street. What is it going to look like?

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1064988350981_2003/10/03/spencer_comp0310.jpg

BLARG! more campus CRAP.

:(

Originally posted by tayser
BLARG! more campus CRAP.

:(
I agree with you tayser. Lowrise stuff should be left in the suburbs between the transport nodes such as Camberwell, Hawthorn, Malvern, Kew, Caulfield etc.

Spencer Street project slashed
By Andrew Heasley
Transport Reporter
October 3, 2003
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/02/1064988348243.html?from=storyrhs



The $350 million commercial redevelopment of Spencer Street Station has been scaled back significantly, the State Government announced yesterday.

A proposed 36-storey office tower has been cropped to just eight storeys and one of two proposed 25-storey residential towers has been put on hold indefinitely.

The other apartment tower will be replaced by an eight-storey hotel, which will not be built before the new-look station opens in 2005.

The land on which it would have stood, at the north end of the development, will be used for car parking, shops and the bus interchange.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor defended the cuts, describing them as improvements.

"This new design upgrades the link between the West End Plaza and Spencer Street north of Bourke Street and introduces operational changes to make it a better retail mall," he said.

Mr Batchelor said developer Civic Nexus had exercised its right to change the design, changes that the Government approved yesterday.

The Government announced it had sold 5600 square metres of partly contaminated land to Civic Nexus for $5.7 million, on which the first apartment tower was to be built. It would contribute up to $1.1 million for a clean-up, Mr Batchelor's spokesman said.

It is believed the site was contaminated with heavy metals and petroleum-based residues.

Mr Batchelor said the sale represented fair market value as determined by the Valuer-General, and was approved by the project's independent probity auditor and the Land Monitor.

The scaled-back design would not adversely affect the revamped train station section of the project, which would be renamed Southern Cross Station, he said.

The Public Transport Users Association said that while it supported the redevelopment, which it said was a long time coming, the name change was a waste of money, and would be of no benefit.

John O'Rourke, director of Civic Nexus's financier, ABN AMRO, said the climate for residential towers had changed.

"In the short term . . . the development rights to a second residential tower are not worth much in the current environment," he said. Building two towers was "not realistic" in the short term.

He said the company retained options to build it some time in the future.

The office tower was scaled back to meet Government planning requirements, Mr O'Rourke said. But the redesign of the office space into a broader, low-rise "campus-style" building was in tune with what the market wanted. It also would look better from the street.

Mr Batchelor said the new design was well received by Melbourne City Council.

The council's chairwoman of planning and development, Catherine Ng, welcomed the low-rise approach, which she said sat more comfortably with the surroundings.

The decision on the residential towers was not surprising, as the prospect of possible interest rate rises made investors more cautious, she said.

I suppose the residential tower might be built in the next cycle at least they still have the option open to them.

That's very sad news indeed... let's hope the taller towers will still one day be built in a future cycle. :(

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http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/08/1065601909094.html

Cash fears over Spencer St revamp
By Richard Baker
State Political Reporter
October 9, 2003


The consortium awarded the $1 billion contract to redevelop Spencer Street Railway Station is seeking more money from the Victorian Government, prompting warnings of a cost blow-out.

A Government response to an Opposition freedom-of-information request revealed that the developer, Civic Nexus, had lodged claims relating to its contract with the state.

The FoI request, which sought documents regarding contract variations on the project, has been refused on the grounds that releasing the information could cause the Government to "suffer unreasonable disadvantage in further negotiations concerning the potential claims".

The Civic Nexus consortium, which includes the international bankers ABN AMRO and Leighton Contractors, was awarded the redevelopment contract in July last year.

Victorian taxpayers will pay $34 million a year, plus inflation, for 30 years to Civic Nexus under a controversial public-private partnership arranged by the Government.

The total amount paid by taxpayers will be more than $1 billion.

Opposition major projects spokesman Phil Honeywood said yesterday there was little doubt taxpayers would end up paying millions of dollars extra in claims to the consortium.

Mr Honeywood said it was a concern that the Government was already facing claims from the developer just over one year into the 30-year contract.

"Taxpayers have a right to know what has gone wrong with this project only one year after the contracts were awarded," he said. "If this is happening after one year, imagine what could go wrong at year 30."

A spokeswoman for Major Projects Minister Peter Batchelor said she could not reveal the issues behind the claims, nor the amount of money Civic Nexus was seeking.

But she said it was normal business practice for companies to lodge claims over variations on projects the size of the Spencer Street redevelopment.

She said the scope of the project had not been changed since its financial close in August last year.

Additional funds would not be required to meet any claim payouts to the consortium because money had already been put aside in a contingency fund, the spokeswoman added.

John O'Rourke, director of Civic Nexus financier ABN AMRO, said the claims related to "minor technical issues".

Mr O'Rourke was confident the matters would be resolved and that there would be no extra cost to the taxpayer. The Government last week announced the $350 million commercial section of the redevelopment had been scaled back significantly.

A proposed 36-storey office tower has been reduced to eight storeys, and one of two planned 25-storey residential towers has been delayed indefinitely.

The other apartment tower will be replaced by an eight-storey hotel, which will not be built before the redeveloped station opens in 2005.

Civic Nexus said the changes to the design were necessary because the market for residential towers had changed since its bid was made.

Federation square MK II....

there isn't a government in the world that will get it right! Hopefully the full development will be good....and fed square on my opionion turned our alright..

Doesnt sound like its too much of a problem the developers are just tying it on to see how far they can squeese the Govt.
Just normal tactics in the construction game.
With backers like Amro and Leighton they are not going to go broke.

And as I have said before if Eureka was a govt project the Libs would be screaming that it was falling way behind.

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Speaking of this project, just remembered, the concourse is forming along the Collins St extension.... :rock:

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Site update

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274765603.jpg

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274766046.jpg

Do you like it BIG?

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274856592.jpg

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274856670.jpg

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274765436.jpg

The campuses are looking very Canary Wharf-ish too, well considering the project was [half] done by a Brit - is anyone surprised? I'm not. Not that there's -that- much wrong with that... lol :)

Awesome pics tays! A truly awesome peice of architecture. I love it ! :guns1:

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I reckon if it is half as good as those pics it will still be sensational.

Adam, what you see on the right of the rendering, outside the "windows" so to speak, is the meshed facade of Liberty Tower:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/images/index/tweedle.jpg

i am not complaining actually ! hehe !

having 8 story buildings on this site is better for me as i have an apartment overlooking the city in watergate, and now my view is not blocked by anything !

cheers

lozza:dooby:

Thank god, is all I can say.
I know that we're all skyscraper fans but this new scheme is far superior to the old proposal. The 8 storey buildings look great - simple, classy and totally in context and proportion to the rest of the development. Collins Hill tower looked ridiculous in my opinion - like the worst example of Japanese office block design and there were far too many 'stand alone' towers popping up around that fabulous station roof. Everything now just fits in alot better. What a great development!
I question whether this decision actually WAS anything to do with a funding crisis. It looks to me more like a 'perfecting' of the design. The Docklands is starting to get a real look about it with these type of campus style offices, and I think they look rather smart, actually.

Egad Garmatt,

I say we might have to sin bin you if you keep up this point of view. ;)

i actaully agree with him

the low rise building looks much more impressive when combined with the rest of the station.

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

I dodn't think the redesign is part of a cost cutting exercise, the campus style office building will have just as much office space as the proposed office tower and cutting out one of the residential towers is just common sense in the current market.

In the long term there is still room for two more apartment towers as the new residential tower is in a different location. So in the end we may end up with three apartment towers instead of two.

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As I said before, she is one marvellously endowed woman. Curves in all the right places. My girlfriend is getting jealous. Just kidding.

lol @ 'Boob Tube', how apt.

Blue

The first visible signs of it actually being a station that's being constructed on site (:)) are emerging!

http://www.spencerstreetstation.com.au/images/gallery/fullsize/imageN3274765603.jpg

Judging by the pic from tays are they going to be getting rid of the rail bridge that goes parallel with Flinders St that carries the tracks for the link between Spencer and Flinders St Stations? It doesn't look like there'll be room for the tracks to continue south. Or are the tracks to the extreme left of the pic still going to proceed under the overpass and to Flinders St? :D