Melbourne’s beloved Campbell Arcade has reopened following an extensive three-year restoration.
The distinctive 1950s-era arcade, known for its pink tiles and retro charm, was temporarily closed in 2022 to allow work on the underground connection between Flinders Street and Town Hall stations, due to open later this year.
The Victorian Government says the restoration has brought Campbell Arcade back to its “former glory”, with original heritage features such as granite columns, curved tiled walls, and display windows cleaned and repaired.
Upgrades to lighting, ventilation, fire, and security systems have also been carried out with the aim of enhancing comfort and safety for pedestrians.
The arcade features eight shopfronts, with new businesses set to open soon.
The display cases, known as the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ have been preserved and will be handed over to the City of Melbourne, who will use them to showcase the story of the Metro Tunnel Project.
Passengers can now enter the arcade and access Flinders Street Station from Degraves Street, providing a new pathway into one of the city’s busiest transport hubs.
While heritage constraints prevent an accessible entrance from Degraves Street, new lifts inside Flinders Street Station ensure the arcade is accessible via the Degraves Subway.
