New images reveal Melbourne’s revamped city square

New images reveal what the CBD landmarkwill look like once reopened next year, complete with interactive artwork and a permanent “smoking ceremony dish”.

New images reveal what Melbourne’s revamped city square will look like once reopened next year – complete with interactive artwork and a permanent “smoking ceremony dish”.

Final artist impressions show the square at a major entrance to the new Town Hall Station will have more events, shops and hospitality spaces, along with new landscaping and artworks.

An interactive, digital version of the much-loved Mockridge fountain known as the ‘water wall’ will be installed along Collins St.

The LED wall will depict water flowing and respond to movements of people passing by.

The bronze sculpture Beyond the Ocean of Existence will also return when the new square opens.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said the revamped square, developed in consultation with Wurundjeri Elders, would also have a permanent “smoking ceremony

dish”.

Final artist impressions show the square at a major entrance to the new Town Hall Station.

It will have more events, shops and hospitality spaces.

And Woiwurrung language and artwork will be etched into surrounding paving and throughout the square.

“City Square has been one of Melbourne’s favourite meeting places for decades and we’re delighted that this revamped landmark location will return to the people when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 – one year ahead of schedule,’’ he said.

“With four entrances between City Square and Fed Square, Town Hall Station will make it easier and more convenient for people to get around our fantastic city.”

Crews will soon start building the Town Hall Station entrance at the Collins St end of the square.

City square has been closed since 2017 to make way for Town Hall station.

The new square will open in Melbourne next year.

It is expected to be a new meeting place for visitors and commuters.

A glass entrance canopy will sit above five escalators leading down into a two-tiered concourse expected to be used by more than 10,000 people during peak periods.

Landscaping works have begun, with garden beds set to hold native plants and trees.

Widened pedestrian crossings at the nearby Swanston and Collins St intersection will accommodate anticipated increased foot traffic.

“The new City Square will be a go-to destination and meeting place for visitors and commuters,’’ Mr Pearson said.

City Square has been closed since 2017 to make way for Town Hall Station, one of five new underground train stations being built in the city.

The Herald Sun in September revealed the Allan government would splurge an extra $837m in taxpayer cash on the Metro Tunnel project after agreeing a deal to alter contracts with builders.

It pushed the total taxpayer-funded portion of the project to $13.48bn, well above the initial $10.9bn forecast.