Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation
Victoria
The Metro Tunnel, Melbourne represents the most significant transformation of Victoria’s rail network in 40 years. A collaboration between Hassell, WW+P Architects, and RSHP, the project delivers five new underground stations — Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac, which features the city’s first direct tram-to-rail interchange.
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Departing from conventional, enclosed underground hubs, the ‘Open Metro’ design integrates natural light, fresh air, and intuitive wayfinding to foster commuter wellbeing. Each station functions as a distinctive civic landmark, responding to its unique urban context through materiality — such as the red brick arches of Arden and the timber canopy of Anzac.Â
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By creating 16,500 sqm of revitalised public realm, including a significant increase of landscaped parkland at Albert Road Reserve, the project transcends mere infrastructure. It creates a generous, uniquely ‘Melbourne’ experience, seamlessly weaving the transit network into the daily rhythm of the city’s public life for future generations.
The Metro Tunnel transforms Melbourne’s rail network, doubling the size of the city’s underground rail system, opening up new destinations across the city and enabling a ‘turn-up-and-go’ service on this line and future uplifts across the whole network.
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The project delivers five new architectural landmarks for Melbourne that integrate natural light, world-class art, revitalised public realm and spacious, moninteriors to elevate the everyday passenger experience into something celebratory.
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The stations are sensitive to their specific locations, and aren’t just about moving people; they create vibrant, enduring meeting places that Melburnians will embrace with pride for generations to come.
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Ivan Harbour – RSHP, Design Architect
Avtar S Lotay – RSHP, Project Architect
Paul Thompson – RSHP, Project Director
Mark Loughnan – Hassell, Design Architect
Ingrid Bakker, Design Architect
Chris Lamborn – Hassell, Design Architect
Will Riley – WW+P, Project Architect
Rob Naybour – WW+P, Project Director
Geoff Bee – WW+P, Project Director
All other team members added via email to AIA VIC awards, Team Members (250++)
Arcadis/Arup/WSP Joint Venture, Engineer
Hassell, Landscape Consultant
Spiers Major, Lighting Consultant
Greenshoot Consulting, First Nations Consultant
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Artwork Development
Maynard Design, Wayfinding
Purcell and GJM, Heritage Consultant
Steve Watson and Partners, Building Surveyor