Melbourne landmark design comp heats up

The competition to redesign the iconic Flinders St Station is coming to a climax, with six finalist shortlisted as part of the second and final stage.

The six chosen finalists have until July to complete their final submission.

The finalists are:

• Ashton Raggatt McDougall;
• John Wardle Architects and Grimshaw;
• Hassell and Herzog and De Meuron;
• NH Architecture;
• Eduardo Velasquez and Manuel Pineda and Santiago Medina; and
• Zaha Hadid Architecture and BVN Architecture.

Minister for Major Projects, David Hodgett said the competition had generated great excitement for the redevelopment of the Melbourne landmark.

“With a shortlist representing some of the best local and international architects, the anticipation and excitement about the competition is really building,” Mr Hodgett said.

He also outlined a  “People’s Choice” award, for the best design as voted on by the public.

“Indeed, we will be providing people with the same material that the jury receives and asking them to rate various aspects of the designs using similar criteria,” Mr Hodgett explained.

“We want the People’s Choice Award to be more than just a beauty competition where people vote for what they think looks best based on artist’s impressions,” he added.

“This level of public engagement is the first of its kind. To have a People’s Choice vote in an architectural competition is only fitting given the importance of Flinders St Station.”

“We want everyone to have their say on the future of the station precinct,” Mr Hodgett said.