Federation Square

The site of Federations Square was once a pair of dull brown office blocks beside the Jolimont rail yards north of Princes Bridge, Flinders Street Station being south of the bridge. Although taking young boys to watch the life-size 53-line train set was a treat, the area was felt to be an eyesore.

Above & left: Federation Square; photos: Ali Kayn (c) 2009

After an open competition the resulting design is a brown and grey revision of a RMIT building further along Swanston Street.

Like the City Square beside the Melbourne Town Hall, this area is harsh and dry providing little outdoor shade. Melbourne effectively has two "civic spaces", neither of which is welcoming.

The area next to Flinders Street (opposite St. Paul's Cathedral) is called St Paul's Court, the river side above Federation Wharf is called The Square.

Features:

The Atrium; Ian Potter Centre (National Gallery Victoria's Australian Art Collection); SBS broadcasters; ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image (previously Cinemedia), free outdoor Wi-Fi hotspot, Federation Square (public outdoor) screen; Champions: Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame; National Design Centre ; Sunday book market.

Melbourne Visitor Centre

Cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne.
Opposite Flinders St Station

on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation

Phone: (03) 9655 1900 (+ 61 3 9655 1900) E=mail: info@fedsquare.com
Snail mail: Fed Square Pty Ltd, Corner Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
website