A new ‘state of the art’ LED lighting system has been installed at Flinders Street Station, giving a new glow to the iconic one hundred-year-old building’s refurbished exterior.
The lighting system of 1100 lights can illumine the station in any possible colour and will allow for the running of light shows for major events.
The system was installed as part of the $100 million upgrade package of the station, which included the restorations off the building façade and roof, refurbishment of the famous tower clock, toilet upgrades, and the opening of a new Yarra River entrance.
The light installation marks the finalisation of upgrades to the station building exterior.
“Flinders St has been the face of Melbourne for more than a century – and our works will protect the station for the next hundred years,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.
“The new light system is the finishing touch of an exterior restoration that leaves the station looking as fresh as it did when it opened in 1910.”
Created by Melbourne company APEC Electrical and their supplier Darkon, the lights are connected via 20 kilometres of cabling, allowing the system to operate automatically and by remote control. In a first for an Australian heritage building, each of the 1100 lights is networked through its own internal microprocessor.
Each light has a custom made amber LED that replicates the colour of the original flood lights, while only using a third of the energy of the old system.
Upgrade works continue at the station, improving station platform seating and restoring the Elizabeth and Degraves Street subways and main ticket hall.
“Works continue at Flinders St and Victorians will continue to notice changes and more works – all part of our effort to save Melbourne’s favourite building,” Allan said.