The City of Melbourne will begin works next week to install permanent security measures at Flinders Street Station, as part of the Victorian Government’s $50 million CBD security upgrade project.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said 53 permanent stainless steel bollards will be installed to improve public safety and 130 square metres of public space added under the famous Flinders Street clocks.
“Not only will these works increase safety, they’ll also provide significant new public space at one of the city’s busiest pedestrian intersections,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
“The expanded Flinders Street forecourt will be coupled with a three-metre extension of the Young & Jackson pedestrian crossing, which is used by more than 25,000 people during peak hours every day.”
Stage one of the Flinders Street Station works will take place between Monday 12 November and mid December 2018, with stages two and three planned for early 2019.
To make way for the new bollards and expanded forecourt, the existing left-turn only lane from Swanston Street onto Flinders Street will be removed, and replaced with a left and right-turn lane alongside the current dedicated right-turn only lane.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time if travelling through this stretch of Flinders Street.
The Flinders Street Station to Federation Square pedestrian crossing will be temporarily closed while works are underway. Pedestrians wishing to access Federation Square or the Swanston Street tram stop will be directed to alternate crossings by additional staff in the area.
“The majority of these works will take place at night, however some daytime work may be required to ensure the upgrade is completed quickly,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We want to get these vital security works done as quickly as possible and keep disruption to a minimum and I thank Melburnians in advance for their patience.
“I’d also like to encourage everyone to continue visiting and shopping in our great city. In fact, with Christmas just around the corner there’s never been a better time to pop in, start your Christmas shopping and enjoy the festivities on offer at our diverse restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment venues.”
CEO of Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Jeroen Weimar said the security upgrades will enhance measures already in place at Melbourne’s busiest train station.
“Safety is our number one priority and these measures are yet another way that our passengers and visitors to Flinders Street Station can be assured of their safety when travelling around the network,” Mr Weimar said.
