Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel underground stations are set to redefine how Australians think about train station retail with a total of 3,900 square metres being brought to market. Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for key tenants to anchor the new stations.
Colliers’ Adam Lester, Tom Larwill and Stacey Gaff have been exclusively appointed to lease the project on behalf of the Cross Yarra Partnership – a consortium comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease, John Holland, John Laing, and Bouygues Construction.
“The opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2025 will be a milestone for Melbourne’s train network, adding five new underground stations at Arden (North Melbourne), Parkville (medical and education precinct), State Library and Town Hall in the CBD and Anzac (tram and train interchange) on St Kilda Road,” Lester said.
“To cater to the thousands of people that will move through the new stations every day, we will deliver high-quality retail space for Melbourne’s favourite retailers, ensuring an enjoyable and exciting commuter experience.”
Construction is underway on this project, which will create a new end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the southeast. It will also allow for a greater capacity of trains throughout Melbourne’s CBD and accommodate the planned Melbourne Airport Rail set to be delivered in 2029.
“Each station has its own unique character, which will inspire the types of retail on offer. From the bustling, non-stop action at Town Hall (CBD) to the leafy green streets around Parkville, stations will represent the best of the precinct. Whether it’s a sandwich shop for a quick bite, a boutique grocer for that last-minute shop, or steaming-hot noodles as a late-night snack,” Lester said.
“The evolving landscape of our CBD has increased the reliance on retail amenity, particularly convenience-based retail. In the delivery of such an incredible project to support our city’s growing population, the retail component will elevate the commuter experience and ensure Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel delivers a world-class asset for commuters.”