The redesigned Spencer Street Station, now known as Southern Cross Station, daily services 60,000 commuters traveling on 940 suburban and intercity trains, in addition to connecting bus services in a distinctive new landmark and world-class transportation facility. This state-of-the-art facility won the Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2007 Lubetkin Prize for most outstanding building outside the European Union.
The $600 million redevelopment, which can now provide for 15 million passengers a year, was completed in July 2006 in time for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The new station features 400,000 square feet (37,160 m2) of Kalzip 65/400 0.040-inch (1-mm) aluminum standing-seam wave form roof with a stucco embossed finish. The roof utilizes a passive ventilation technology to extract exhaust fumes from the enclosed space, all while reducing the station’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Leighton Contractors, Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia, installed the roof that scales 75 feet (23 m) at its highest point and spans an entire city block, over and around a fully operational train station. A 600-ton (540-metric-ton) crawler crane was used to install the prefabricated columns, in addition to the 54 main spine trusses along the platform length and the pre-assembled segments of the roof dome.
Southern Cross incorporates a new and improved transport interchange facility, offices, accommodation, hotel and retail plaza into a modern, international-style station that is user-friendly in addition to being comfortable, convenient and safe for passengers. More than 120 passenger information screens were installed with real-time train arrival and departure information. In addition, there are new air-conditioned waiting areas, a 30-bay coach terminal, new security, efficient baggage handling facilities, platform access from both the Bourke Street Bridge and Collins Street extension, as well as public bathrooms, Internet access and telephones.
New commercial and office developments were also built as part of the project. The commercial area includes a DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) with more than 120 specialty shops and food courts, as well as 800 additional parking spaces.
Southern Cross provides an important integrated transport interchange that will encourage regeneration and improved local commercial growth by bringing together essential public transportation upgrades in addition to pedestrian connections between Melbourne’s Central Business District and the developing Docklands area. It is a functional point of arrival for international, inter-state, regional and suburban visitors that can comfortably handle the anticipated peak period passengers.
Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, Australia
Award: The Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2007 Lubetkin Prize for most outstanding building outside the European Union
Client: Victoria State Government in partnership with the Civic Nexus Consortium
Architect: Grimshaw Jackson Joint Venture
General contractor: Leighton Contractors
Roofing installer: Unison
Metal roof: Kalzip from Corus Building Systems
