KEEPING IT LEVEL

Reservoir Station is sporting a new look that puts its platform all aboard for the first stage of its long journey.

Part of the Level Crossing Removal Project happening in Victoria, the Reservoir crossing was removed in 2019 and eventually replaced with a rail bridge over High Street, which included a brand new station. Completed in stages, the project included extensive landscaping works around the station precinct, the reinstallation of a new bus interchange and public carpark, as well as the construction of a public plaza and improved shared-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. One of 75 congested level crossings being removed across Melbourne by 2025, the completion of Reservoir Station is a boon to the ongoing success of the scheme.

To complete the station and forecourt and bring it to its full level of functionality, street furniture suites, flexible bike parking solutions and safety bollards from Stoddart Infrastructure were specified for the project. The installation of furniture and civic infrastructure contributes to the activation of the space for passengers and the wider community.

Designed, manufactured and installed by public infrastructure specialist Stoddart, the bespoke platform furniture and landscape furniture suites created are comprised of a mixed material palette of galvanised mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, speciality timber and masonry. This combination of materials ensures strength and longevity, as well as aesthetic appeal for the collections, which will enable them to handle these high traffic environments for years to come. LED lighting was also integrated into the suites for additional safety and functionality.

Manufactured to MTM specifications and DDA-compliant, the platform furniture suite fulfils all seating requirements for the station precinct and is rendered in mild steel and stainless steel. This hardy selection has the added benefit of being anti-vandal, making it a cost-effective and low maintenance addition to the public scheme.

Enlivening the central pedestrian plaza beneath the station, the landscape furniture suite, though equally durable, has the added addition of speciality timber and masonry to give it a little extra design flair. An arched under-profile with a slatted timber top provides long, wide lengths for plenty of seating, while the addition of back and arm rests mid-length increases compliance to meet the needs of all members of the community.

Designed with water sensitive urban design (WSUD) features at play, Stoddart were also responsible for the manufacture and installation of speciality tree guards in the station forecourt, to protect the young native trees planted and assist with runoff. The unique design of the tree guards contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the public space, while the WSUD elements ensure adequate water for the trees and sufficient runoff egress for the plaza.

While still an ongoing concern, the Level Crossing Removal Project is one of Victoria’s largest civil infrastructure endeavours to date. With over half of the level crossings already gone, the city is experiencing a surfeit of new public spaces popping up across town that offer a host of recreation and greenspaces for citizens and visitors. This is contributing not only to public safety, due to less traffic congestion, but an increase in health and wellbeing through physical activity. In business for over 25 years, Stoddart Infrastructure is proud to play its part in deploying this ambitious project and contributing to the evolution of a city.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Victorian Government
Location Reservoir, Victoria
Architect Genton Architects
Landscape Architect McGregor Coxall
Infrastructure Design Stoddart Infrastructure
Manufacture & Install Stoddart Infrastructure

COMPANY
Stoddart Infrastructure