National design competition launched for new $50m Frankston Railway Station
A NATIONAL hunt to unearth the best design for the $50 million Frankston Railway Station revamp has been launched.
South East
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A NATIONAL competition has been launched to unearth the best design for the much-anticipated Frankston Railway Station revamp.
Frankston state Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said it was essential the design suited Frankston, as opposed to the current station which has been widely derided as a “neo-industrial mess” and “scary”.
“It has to be able to give the best amenity and we are looking for design excellence,” he said.
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“The idea is to get the best architects in the nation with their best designs so rather than the (present) neo-industrial mess we get what Frankston deserves.”
Commuters have repeatedly told authorities they view the station area as unsafe, dark and uninviting.
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Judges for the competition include senior architects along with Frankston Council chief executive Dennis Hovenden and Mr Edbrooke, who is overseeing the $50 million redevelopment.
Five finalists will be selected by the judges to proceed to a second stage and produce a more detailed design.
The winner will be announced in February with work due to start late next year.
Frankston Mayor James Dooley said people wanted to see a design that was “welcoming, human and has character” rather than simply concrete and steel.
Mr Edbrooke also announced that the engineering and construction firm Seymour Whyte had been given the contract for the $13 million redevelopment of busy Young St.
Features include a bus interchange, seating, shelters, wider footpaths, traffic signals and landscaping.
The Young St works are due to be completed by May.
Mr Edbrooke said the works would “breathe new life” into Young St and make it easier for people to get around.
A project hub for the transit precinct redevelopment will open at the former Eren’s store in Young St soon.
Traders and residents can drop into the hub to pass on their views and get information.