Scaffolding for the restoration works on the iconic façade of Flinders Street Station will begin to be removed today, while the building’s clock face be returned to its position overlooking the Flinders Street intersection by Christmas.
These repair works form part of the $100 million upgrades for the station building, which is now over one hundred years old, having been built in 1910.
A reported 5,000 litres of paint and 3.5 tons of mortar have been used in the restoration of the building, while 700 windows have been restored and painted and the roof waterproofed.
The repainting process, which will see the station returned to its original 1910 colours, is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The glass clock faces and hands have been removed from the site as they are currently also undergoing restoration works. The clock tower itself has been strengthened by the installation of an internal steel frame.
State transport and infrastructure minister Jacinta Allan visited the works inside the clock tower yesterday.
“For the first time in a century we got up to the clock tower to restore and repair the historic clock – protecting it for the future,” Allan said.
Refurbishment works on the main concourse and at the Elizabeth Street subway toilets have now been completed, while brighter lighting has been installed on every platform and further works are progressing at the western end of the station.
“Flinders Street is the heart of our train system and the heart of our city – we’re restoring it and making it more accessible, safe and user friendly for passengers,” Allan said.
The upgrade works are expected to be complete by the middle of 2018.