Former premier Ted Baillieu says it’s time to think ‘laterally’ about City Square’s future

The Melbourne CBD landmark has been closed for years because of Metro Tunnel construction but there are hopes it could be transformed for next year’s reopening.

City Square should be renamed and reimagined due to a new Metro Tunnel station slashing its footprint to “a pocket park”, former premier Ted Baillieu says.

Mr Baillieu, who is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, said the iconic civic space would no longer be fit for purpose and “lateral” ideas — such as a 50m outdoor pool — should be considered for the precinct.

A Melbourne City Councillor has also hit out at the current design of the site’s Metro tunnel station entrance, saying it could compromise one of the city’s most famous views.

City Square, which has been out of action for several years during construction of the new $14 billion Metro Tunnel, is set to return to public use late next year.

How City Square looks while the Metro Tunnel construction is underway. Picture: Ian Currie

An impression of what the City Square entrance to Town Hall Station could look like.

The site has been out of action for several years during the tunnel construction. Picture: Ian Currie

Excavations at City Square as part of the tunnel works.

A massive acoustic shed that blocked noise and dust from the construction of the Town Hall station is currently being dismantled, but will be replaced by hoarding for more underground in 2023.

Mr Baillieu said once the site reopened it would have different levels and structures at the south and north, which would inhibit its original civic purpose – already impaired when the Westin Hotel was built in the 1990s.

“It’s going to be a pocket park at best,” he said.

“The City Square is effectively no more and it would probably be wise to run a competition to rename the space. I don’t think there will be too many protests there anymore.”

Mr Baillieu, a keen swimmer, said the community should think “laterally” about its future.

“It would probably make a great location for an outdoor 50m pool,” he said.

City Square featured in AC/DC’s video clip for It’s a Long Way to the Top (If you Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll).

Starbucks at City Square. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Homeless people at City Square. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Graffiti of a sculpture at City Square.

A temporary open space on the City Square site in 1968.

A skateboarder at City Square.

A postcard of City Square.

Another postcard.

People swimming in the fountains at the City Square.

Melbourne City Council is likely to reclaim the space from the consortium building the rail tunnel late next year, which would allow it to decide on future use.

Designs for Town Hall station out for consultation this year have sparked debate.

Greens Councillor Rohan Leppert said a white canopy structure planned for the northern station entrance — the corner of Collins and Swanston streets — was too large and could compromise views along “one the most important streetscapes in the city”.

He also said current plans showed the “active area is really compromised”.

A spokesman for Rail Projects Victoria said an acoustic shed that blocked noise and dust during station construction was being removed, but the site would be surrounded by hoarding until late 2023 to allow for further works underground.

“City Square will be one of seven entrances to Town Hall Station, covered by a canopy structure that will ensure views to the Melbourne Town Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral are maintained,” they said.

“City Square itself will be returned to the City of Melbourne as a community public space, including seating and landscaping.”