Table of Contents
New CBD station marks major step for the Metro Tunnel project
Town Hall Station is complete, leaving just one Metro Tunnel station to finish before the multi‑billion‑dollar project opens to the public. The new CBD stop is the first station built in the city in more than 40 years and is the fourth of five stations on the $15.5 billion Metro Tunnel.
The station has been eight years in the making, stretches about 260 metres and sits roughly 33 metres below ground. With only State Library Station left to complete, officials say the tunnel will open later this year — though some details, including full running capacity and the final timetable, are still to be confirmed.
What was built and how it looks
Town Hall Station is designed to mirror the heritage architecture of the nearby Town Hall. The fit‑out is primarily grey with deliberate pops of colour to guide passengers through the station.
One notable design touch mentioned by project staff is the pink seating — described in the coverage as the "pink sea exit" — a colour cue that will be consistent across all five Metro Tunnel stations. The main entrance, nicknamed the Crypt, is planned to become a retail hub once fit‑out and tenancy deals are finalised.
Service changes and travel time benefits
The Metro Tunnel will re‑route three of Melbourne’s busiest lines — the Cranbourne‑Pakenham to Sunbury corridor — out of the existing City Loop and into their own dedicated tunnel. Removing those services from the Loop is intended to free capacity so more trains can run across the whole network.
Despite the station’s size, operationally Town Hall will be a simple one‑platform service offering two directions: east or west. The idea is a straightforward "turn up and go" model to reduce waiting and overall travel time for commuters.
Entrances, pedestrian links and retail
The project will connect with existing pedestrian tunnels, including a revamped Campbell Arcade, which starts one of the underground walkways near the new station. Both the Crypt and Campbell Arcade are expected to host retail offerings, though specific completion dates for shop fit‑outs have not been announced.
Officials say retail and passenger amenities are part of the broader plan to integrate the station into the CBD’s foot traffic and commuter routes, but lease and fit‑out timelines remain subject to separate commercial processes.
Timing, capacity and what’s left to finish
Work on Town Hall has taken eight years and — with State Library Station still under construction — the Metro Tunnel is expected to open later this year. The Premier has not yet confirmed whether trains will run at full capacity when the tunnel opens, and transport authorities indicate a final timetable will be released closer to the opening date.
When the tunnel opens, travel times will shorten for many journeys across the network. For example, Parkville will be just two minutes from State Library Station, improving access to hospitals, universities and research precincts in that area.
Key takeaways
- Town Hall Station is the first new CBD station in over 40 years and the fourth of five Metro Tunnel stations.
- The station is 260 metres long and 33 metres below ground, with a grey interior and coloured wayfinding.
- Three major lines will be moved into the new tunnel, freeing capacity in the City Loop.
- Station entrances such as the Crypt and Campbell Arcade will house retail, but shop opening dates remain unconfirmed.
- State Library Station is the only remaining station to finish before the tunnel opens later this year.
FAQs
Q: What is Town Hall Station?
Town Hall Station is the new Metro Tunnel station in Melbourne’s CBD — completed as the fourth of five stations in the $15.5 billion project.
Q: When will the Metro Tunnel open?
The tunnel is expected to open later this year once State Library Station is completed, though an exact date and the final timetable will be announced closer to opening.
Q: How will services change?
Three lines (Cranbourne‑Pakenham to Sunbury) will be routed into the dedicated Metro Tunnel, which frees up City Loop capacity and allows more services across the network.
Q: Will trains run at full capacity when the tunnel opens?
Officials, including the Premier, have not confirmed whether services will operate at full capacity immediately; further details will be provided with the final timetable.
Q: What happens to the Crypt and Campbell Arcade?
Both are planned to become retail and pedestrian hubs connecting into the new station, but completion and tenancy schedules are still to be finalised.
Credit: Reporting based on coverage by 7NEWS Australia.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Melbourne’s Town Hall Station is finally complete after years of construction chaos | 7NEWS
