Coburg and Moreland, two new state-of-the-art railway stations on the Upfield Line in Victoria, Australia, have been completed by Wood Marsh Architecture. The stations and surrounding urban landscape act as spaces for the community. A civic architectural response by Wood Marsh celebrates the history of railways, improves infrastructure, and upgrades amenities to better serve the local neighborhood.
Two long-serving stations in Melbourne’s suburbs, Coburg, a bustling commuter hub, and Moreland, a smaller rail stop, form a part of the ‘Bell to Moreland Level Crossing Removal Project’. At both Reynard Street in Coburg and Moreland Road in Brunswick, an elevated rail bridge was built over the roads to improve safety, reduce congestion, and facilitate better east–west connections.
In its design for Coburg Station, Wood Marsh draws abstract references to the formal language of classical architecture. Decorative features such as friezes and architrave details embellish the station’s exterior facade. These classical references are counterpointed by notable contemporary features: hexagonal reliefs on the pre-cast elements enliven the façade and augment the station’s dynamic appearance.
A pair of grand arched windows on Coburg Station’s east and west elevations are a homage to the civic architectural language of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station and The National Gallery of Victoria (the iconic buildings feature impressive arched entrances). The station’s concourse has something of a “Grand Central Station-like” air, creating a sense of arrival for commuters. Natural light from the two arched windows floods a double-height interior, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. A split-level staircase on either side of the concourse guides commuters on their journey in transit.
One stop along from Coburg Station, Moreland Station’s new design is equally impressive, if a little austere. Two grand covered stairways on either side of the tracks appear to float seamlessly above a terracotta-paneled base — the base is a reference to the red brickwork of the adjacent historic railway building.
When thinking about identity and placemaking, Wood Marsh opted to color-code Coburg and Moreland Stations with orange architectural detailing and accent lighting. The effect is both playful and vibrant, particularly at night when the stations are illuminated. In a nod to the historical components of rail infrastructure, the elevated rail alludes to the visual identity of rivets and gantries, forming patterns on the architectural screening of the rail bridge.
The new elevated 2 km rail opens up 22.5 hectares of space along the Upfield Line for public use. A comprehensive, community-focused urban design was created in collaboration with landscape architecture firm Tract. A network of pathways, parks, playgrounds, and public amenities connect Coburg and Moreland Stations at ground level. The transformation of the former rail crossings led to a series of unique, vibrant, and dynamic community hubs.
In a summary of the 'Bell to Moreland Level Crossing Removal Project', Wood Marsh reflect: “As civic places of arrival and departure, [the Coburg and Moreland] stations link the local community to greater Melbourne, providing safe and equitable access whilst also promoting opportunity for recreation and connection through new public spaces and corridors.”
