Melbourne Metro rail tunnel: Debate over new station names

THE naming of Melbourne’s five new underground railway stations has sparked a tug of war between some of the city’s best-loved institutions.

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THE naming of Melbourne’s five new underground railway stations has sparked a tug of war between some of the city’s best-loved institutions.

With construction set to start on the $10.9 billion Melbourne Metro rail tunnel next month, debate has started over the naming of the city’s five new stations, although they will not open for another nine years.

The stations have been given the working titles Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.

Melbourne University and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle are both pushing strongly for Parkville to be renamed University. Domain has also been flagged to be renamed Shrine after the Shrine of Remembrance or Botanic after the Botanic Gardens.

Rail project map showing five new stations.

The renaming of CBD South could spark a holy tug of war between the City of Melbourne, which owns City Square, and St Paul’s Cathedral, which wants Cathedral.

Anglican Dean of Melbourne Andreas Loewe said it would be an honour to have CBD South station named after St Paul’s

“We think it would be highly appropriate to honour the longest-standing landmark on this site and also the most recognisable landmark on this site by calling the station St Paul’s or Cathedral,” Dr Loewe said.

“I think it’s right for tourists. It recognises a much beloved icon in Melbourne, and it’s also the most sensible suggestion.”

Cr Doyle said he would personally like to see the three CBD stations named after landmarks, not people. His preference was University (Parkville), Library (CBD North) and Cathedral (CBD South). Public Transport Victoria will canvass public opinion for ideas to rename the city’s five new railway stations.

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