By Tate Papworth
The new and improved St Albans station is in line for a prestigious architectural award.
Once labelled as having one of the most dangerous level crossings in the state, the station has undergone a drastic transformation and has been shortlisted by the Australian Institute of Architects for an award in the public architecture category.
The station was designed by Hassell with the brief to remove the level crossing and improve the flow of traffic through the station and Main Road.
Hassell associate Alix Smith said the final design went beyond that.
“This is a station that stitches St Albans’ Main Road back together and creates a safe, open and civic space for the community,” she said.
“It’s a station that doesn’t look or feel like any other on the rail network, and has revitalised the community.”
Ms Smith said the design has also improved safety.
“We’ve made sure the station ties in with bike paths in the area so people don’t have to necessarily drive to the station and worry about parking,” she said.
“Underneath the canopy there’s an open concourse with clear sightlines for staff and passengers and there’s also added platforms and lifts to improve safety throughout the station.”
The canopy is also a unique feature.
“A lot of new stations use the same consistent canopy, but we really wanted this one to reflect the unique St Albans feel,” Ms Smith said.
“The large reflective canopy installed really makes the station stand out as a centrepiece of the town.”
Award winners will be announced on June 28.
