Artists impression of the Velasquez Pineda & Medina proposal for Flinders Street Station (Image: Major Projects Victoria)

Melbourne’s Flinders Street Railway Station could undergo a major redevelopment, with proposals as wide-ranging as building a forest on the station’s rooftop to multi-storey luxury hotels overlooking the Yarra River.

Six designs have been shortlisted as finalists and have been opened to the public to vote for. An early favourite appears to be that of Velasquez, Pineda & Medina from Colombia, who envision a long stretch of parkland hovering over the railway lines, with void spaces allowing natural light to filter through to the platforms below.

The station’s 159-year-old facade is well known to Melbournians, however in recent years it has suffered neglect from successive governments. It will soon be several generations since the offices and halls in the iconic building were last used.

An artists impression of John Wardle & Grimshaw’s proposed revamp of Flinders Street Station (Image: Major Projects Victoria)

The winning design has already been decided, according to a report by 3AW, but community feedback and the result of the public’s choice award could be used to refine the design chosen.

Victorian minister for major projects David Hodgett said that the design would also be subject to practical constraints, and 3AW’s report noted that the government is yet to commit funds to the project. “A lot of architect’s designs are wonderful things but they still have to be built and be feasible” said Mr Hodgett.

The jury winner and the people’s choice award will both be announced on 8th August. The designs can be viewed and voted on at this website.