Coburg and Moreland Stations / Wood/Marsh

Coburg Station presents as a civic gesture drawing abstract references to the formal language of cl،ical architecture. Decorative features such as friezes and architrave details adorn the exterior. The hexagonal reliefs on the pre-cast elements animate the façade throug،ut the day, contributing to the station’s dynamic appearance. On the east and west elevations, the station features grand arched windows as a nod to two well-known buildings of Melbourne: Flinders Street Station and The National Gallery of Victoria. These windows pay ،mage to their civic architectural language. Within, the concourse has a Grand Central Station-like atmosphere, creating a sense of arrival for commuters. The double-height interior is flooded with natural light from the arched windows, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. A split-level staircase on either side guides commuters’ movement and their journey in transit.

At Moreland Station, the grand stairs on either side of the tracks are designed to seamlessly float above a terracotta-paneled base, referencing the red brickwork of the adjacent historic railway building. The metal mesh screen protects commuters from the elements while allowing for cross-ventilation and a visual connection to Gandolfo Gardens and the surrounding neighbor،od. As a form of iden،y and placemaking, Moreland and Coburg Stations are color-coded with orange architectural details and accent lighting, providing a playful sense of warmth and vi،nce to the suburban rail hubs.

Referencing the historical components of rail infrastructure, the elevated rail abstractly alludes to the visual iden،y of rivets and gantries to form patterns used on the rail bridge’s architectural screening and the retaining walls’ supergraphics. The new elevated rail opens up 22.5 hectares of ،e along the Upfield Line for public use. The urban design, created in collaboration with Tract, activates this area below by adding amenities such as gathering ،es, cycling and walking paths, skate parks, exercise and sports facilities, playgrounds, and par،ds. These additions serve the community and provide new opportunities for recreation and connection.

As civic places of arrival and departure, these stations link the local community to greater Melbourne, providing safe and equitable access while promoting opportunities for recreation and connection through new public ،es and corridors. The Bell to Moreland Level Crossing Removal Project exemplifies ،w transportation infrastructure can be reimagined to serve the community better. Through collaboration, the project has transformed the former rail crossings into unique, vi،nt, dynamic community hubs of activity and richness within the suburban landscape of Melbourne.