Genton is leading the designs for the new Greensborough and Montmorency stations, as part of the $530 million Hurstbridge Line Duplication.
The duplication project, announced last month (February), includes two new railway stations and duplication of about 4.5 kilometres of track. It is part of the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), removing 75 level crossings in the Melbourne metropolitan area, so people can move around more easily and safely.
“Honouring the local context and environment was front of mind in developing the designs for these stations. Montmorency and Greensborough both have charming natural and suburban qualities that inspire people to make a ‘tree change’, while enjoying the benefits of metropolitan amenities. Our designs speak to these factors, with stations that meld seamlessly into the heart of the suburb and community villages,” says Genton Principal Marc Debney.
Combining local community priorities with state-of-the-art facilities and benchmark technical and safety requirements, Genton’s designs improve all-abilities pedestrian circulation, create better connections between the stations and their surroundings, and provide additional car parking for commuters.
A palette of contemporary and earthy tones will be complemented by abundant vegetation and landscaping by rush\wright associates to produce precincts with low visual impact that emulate the leafy local environment, offering a continuation of the native plantings of Banyule City Council. Aligning with community values, sustainability features include the use of solar panels and rainwater tanks at each station, and the use of natural materials.
The minimalist designs will feature well-lit spaces, weather-proof canopies and straight platforms, improving safety with clear sight lines and eliminating the gap between train and platform. In response to Montmorency’s hilly terrain and current curved track, the new station will be constructed 100 metres west of the original structure to support straight tracks and provide ample space for a second track in the narrow rail corridor.
Construction of the new Montmorency and Greensborough stations will commence this year and is scheduled for completion in 2022.
Many thanks to our client, the Southern Program Alliance — a partnership comprising Acciona, Coleman Rail, WSP and Metro Trains Melbourne that will deliver this project with LXRP — for providing us with this opportunity, and to our collaborating landscape architects rush\wright associates.
