The space will be a welcome increase to public space in the city centre. The city grid designed in the 1830s offered little public space and numerous proposals have been suggested in the ensuing 150 years.
In 1968, having demolished a hotel and the glamorous 1920s Queen Victoria building and a shopping arcade, a temporary grass and concrete square was opened in what will be City Square. A design competition followed in the 1970s and the opening of a revamped square by Queen Elizabeth in 2000.
Originally planned to be twice its size, the top half of the square was sold off to developer David Marriner who went on to build a hotel there – now The Westin – and renovated the Regent Theatre in a deal to avoid its demolition.
The state government has just announced the reopening of City Square will occur in 2025, and has issued an architect’s render.
It reveals that some of the original features will be retained, although the Mockridge Fountain becomes a virtual LED water wall.
One feature likely to be popular is a glass-roofed canopy to provide shade and shelter from Melbourne’s changeable weather – but its main purpose is as an entrance to the new underground metro station, Town Hall.
One feature destined to indicate its use as a CBD event space is the permanent placement of a fire dish designed with local Wurundjeri Elders for smoking ceremonies as part of a traditional Welcome to Country.
The City of Melbourne will administer events in City Square.
Announcing the re-opening, transport minister Danny Pearson said it would offer a range of retail and entertainment options and be “a go-to destination and meeting place for visitors and commuters”.
While boasting the square would be back “one year ahead of schedule” the government has not specified what month it will open in 2025.
