Location: Melbourne, Australia.

Architect: Grimshaw.

The Mernda Rail Extension Project aims to connect the growing communities in Melbourne’s inner north corridor to the CBD. It created three state-of-the-art stations at Middle Gorge, Mernda and Hawkstowe, eight kilometres of new duplicated rail line and five grade separations. Grimshaw’s vision was to create a new civic identity for the areas along the corridor with a view to stimulating growth in the future Mernda Town Centre. The project speaks to the local character and environment with the roof forms of traditional rural structures, such as the homestead and shearing shed, inspiring the configuration and identity of the three new stations. A plethora of sustainability initiatives were incorporated into the design, construction and future operation of the project, such as planting native vegetation, investing in rainwater harvesting and limiting construction wastage.

Mernda Station is a fully integrated transport hub servicing up to 5,000 passengers each day. The Mernda Town Centre station consists of a bus interchange, kiss-and-ride drop-off facilities and spaces for taxis, as well as a new community space. Middle Gorge Station offers a landscaped forecourt and passenger platforms, while Hawkstowe Station provides sweeping views over Plenty Gorge Park. The new stations are expected to cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, and provide enhanced bus connections, 2,000 parking spaces, bicycle storage facilities and shared walking and cycling paths. This rail extension project enables passenger trains to return to Mernda after 60 years, connecting thousands of residents to the city of Melbourne.