A new visitor centre for Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel project has opened in the city’s CBD, which will provide information and updates on works and transport changes to the public.
The Metro Tunnel HQ, unveiled by state transport minister Jacinta Allan this week, is located on Swanston Street, across the road from the Melbourne Town Hall, which places it in proximity to the construction site for the new City Square station.
The building features a learning centre featuring an education programme for Victorian teachers and schoolchildren detailing the project’s construction techniques as well as the range of roles available in large infrastructure projects.
Schoolchildren will be able to visit the worksite’s viewing windows along Swanston Street and witness the progress of construction work on the new underground Town Hall station. Several schools have reportedly already signed up to the programme.
“Metro Tunnel HQ will give schoolkids and adults a unique opportunity to learn about this once-in-a-generation project,” Jacinta Allan said.
“This project will help improve transport for all Victorians so it’s vital that people understand how it will benefit them and the opportunities it offers.”
The centre will house expert staff who will be on-hand to answer visitor questions about the Metro Tunnel project, including information regarding the impact it will have on Melbourne’s existing metropolitan train lines.
Virtual reality goggles will also be available to be used by visitors to the centre, which, along with interactive learning games, will provide an impression of how the tunnel boring machines will dig the twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels.