Victorians share ideas to improve Federation Square with government-ordered review
After almost 20 years and plenty of controversy, Victorians are demanding changes to Federation Square. This how they want to revitalise the tourist hotspot.
VIC News
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Federation Square would be opened up to the banks of the Yarra River under a vision to revitalise the controversial public space.
Almost 20 years after it opened, a major government-ordered review of the square has been told it also needs more greenery and shaded areas, extra outdoor seating and improved bars and restaurants.
The Herald Sun can reveal a consultation report, to be released today, shows the square’s unique architecture remains popular and is deemed worthy of protection — but there is a push to improve how the space is used and connects to the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr.
The review was ordered after tech giant Apple’s failed bid to knock down the Yarra Building and create a flagship retail store, with Metro Tunnel works also expected to force long-term changes on the precinct.
Festival, tourism and event leaders, community groups, government agencies, business owners in the square and members of the public contributed more than 1700 responses to the review.
They called for “greater certainty” around the future of the Yarra Building, and for all commercial tenants to complement the “civic function” of the square, which was heritage-listed earlier this year.
Other ideas to improve the square — visited by up to 10 million people a year — included:
IMPROVED use of the big screen for major events, along with better connections to the nearby sporting precinct.
MORE weather protection and enhanced open spaces to “create informal areas for play”.
ENHANCING the role of the square’s “cultural tenants” including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre.
The review — headed by Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner and former Ernst and Young managing partner Tim Eddy — was also told the square’s current financial model was not sustainable.
Tourism, Major Events and Sport Minister Martin Pakula — who has previously backed improved river access — said the government was “delighted by the response” it received.
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“Fed Square is an important community asset for all Victorians and we look forward to receiving a final report from the review team in the new year,” he said.
Hundreds of people were surveyed while visiting the square, and of those, 30 per cent travelled there by train, 28 per cent caught the tram and 24 per cent walked. Some said they found it difficult to navigate and that it made it harder to cross Flinders St.
The review’s recommendations will be delivered to the government early next year.