Pakenham Station has been recognised for its bold design and striking elevated rail bridge as part of the Victorian Premier’s Design Award.
Built as part of level crossing removals at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road, Pakenham Station opened in 2024, along with a brand-new East Pakenham Station.
The award recognised the station precinct for its open-air structure and enhanced public spaces, commenting that the station’s wave-like roof has become a landmark gateway to Gippsland.
It also noted the station’s cutting-edge sustainable construction methodology and buildings, in particular the use of groundbreaking digital fabrication technology used to construct the station canopy.
It follows the project also receiving one of the highest Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s As-Built ratings, scoring 97.98 for its commitment to sustainability through a 52.1% reduction in energy use, and 35% reduction in emissions from materials.
Removing the 3 level crossings has eliminated more than 30 minutes of boom gates down time in the morning peak and improved safety on local roads in Pakenham. Extending the metropolitan rail line 2km and building the new East Pakenham Station has also provided more transport options for the growing suburb.
Elevating the rail line over the roads has created 6 MCGs worth of open space, including walking and cycling paths, a BBQ area, a playground, a half basketball court and soccer net and exercise equipment. Across the entire project, more than 330,000 grasses, trees and shrubs were planted.
Commuters on the Pakenham Line are also now enjoying the benefits of the Metro Tunnel, with access to 5 new, state-of-the-art stations and more train services.
