Grimshaw was appointed to work in collaboration with local practice Jackson Architecture on the reorganisation and expansion of Southern Cross Station. As well as the transport interchange and associated track and signalling works, the redevelopment includes a major office building on Collins Street and a retail plaza serving the Central Business District's west end.

Objective

The key generators for the station's design were practical performance, ease of passenger circulation and an improved working environment for staff with sheltered, high-quality ticketing, baggage-handling, and waiting services. These are all equipped with comfortable seating, lighting and passenger information display systems.

Design

The design focus of Southern Cross Station is the dune-like roof that covers an entire city block. The roof's form plays a crucial role as part of the environmental envelope ensuring that it is symbol of sustainable architecture developed in response to the hot external climate and the internal need for diesel extraction and ambient cooling via natural ventilation.