$100 million to fix Flinders St station

UPDATE: FLINDERS St station is set for a $100 million makeover that will restore it to its former glory, Premier Daniel Andrews says. What do you want fixed?

Bugler for Remembrance Day

UPDATE: FLINDERS St Station is going to get a $100 million makeover, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced.

Melbourne’s oldest major transport hub will undergo general restoration works, including the heritage clock tower, and upgrades to platforms, entrances, toilets and information displays.

The leaking station roof will be fixed, and the Government wants to restore a ballroom long off-limits to the public.

The upgrade will start as soon as possible, and will take four to five years.

What would you like to see fixed or changed at Flinders St station? Tell us below

Mr Andrews said there also would be improved access to the station precinct and between platforms.

“My first priority is making this dilapidated building the modern, passenger-friendly station that it should be,” Mr Andrews said this morning.

“Flinders St Station used to be the pride of our state but now it’s an embarrassment.

“Disgusting toilets and dingy platforms don’t belong in our grand old dame.”

The $100 million will be spent over four years, and comes on top of Labor’s pre-election commitments.

I will miss the terrifying feeling entering the Flinders St Station toilets: “Will I get mugged, talked to, or step in something.” #SpringSt

— Tim (@skramit) February 18, 2015

Mr Andrews did not provide details on how it would be funded, but promised it would be accounted for in the Budget.

He said the international design competition run by the former government had produced a plan that was too expensive.

But the premier said the next stage of the planning would be to assess what role the private sector could play in the site.

Credit to @DanielAndrewsMP Flinders st station has the potential to be one of Australia's great landmarks if done up right.

— aussiefox84 (@ltench) February 18, 2015

A business plan will be developed for the old ballroom and other areas of the precinct.

“Our vision is to bring in new tenants and create an exciting commercial precinct.”

Mr Andrews earlier told 3AW there would be some inconvenience to passengers but the work was essential because the station was “grubby and falling down”.

The design competition run by the previous Napthine government has been shelved.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the $100 million upgrade was about getting the basics right.

“We’ll clean up the station, ease the passenger crush and make it easier to know what platform you need to be on, and when,” she said.