City Square set to reopen in 2025

After being closed to the public for seven years to allow Metro Tunnel’s Town Hall railway station to be built, a redeveloped City Square is now set to be opened a year earlier than originally anticipated.

Artist renderings of the new-look square were released on November 8, showing the glass entrance leading down to the two-tiered Town Hall Station, which will appear on the Collins St side of the square.

The illustrations show Woi-wurrung language and artworks etched into the paving throughout the square, which will also feature a permanent smoking ceremony dish.

Additional space will provide for more opportunities for retail and hospitality venues.

As well as these new additions, some original features will be returning to City Square; Loretta Quinn’s 1993 bronze sculpture titled Beyond the Ocean of Existence will be placed back on its original spot, and the John Mockridge fountain wall, which previously ran along Collins St, will be brought back, albeit in digital form. A new LED water wall will feature interactive technology that will respond to the movements of passers-by.

Landscaping features will include native plants and trees, while pedestrian crossings at the Swanston and Collins streets intersection will be made wider.

Construction work on the Town Hall Station entrance is expected to begin soon.

“With four entrances between City Square and Fed Square, Town Hall Station will make it easier and more convenient for people to get around our fantastic city,” Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said.

“City Square has been one of Melbourne’s favourite meeting places for decades,” he said.

“We’re delighted that this revamped landmark location will return to the people when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.”

Town Hall Station is one of the five underground Metro Tunnel stations scheduled to open in 2025. •