Victorians will see Flinders Street Station in a whole new light following the unveiling of a new state of the art LED lighting system.
Installed as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $100m upgrade of the station, the cutting-edge system can turn the station any colour and can run spectacular light shows for major events and celebrations.
The carefully positioned lights will show off the building’s exterior decorations, creating depth by using different light intensity and shadows.
The 1100 lights are connected through more than 20 kilometres of cable that allows the system to be completely automated and controlled remotely.
Each of the lights is networked through its own internal microprocessor making Australia’s oldest station also its most technologically advanced, with it being the first time this system has been used on a heritage building in Australia.
The lights were designed to respect the Station’s heritage with each light precisely colour matched, with a custom made amber LED that replicates the colour of the original flood lights.
The LED system is cheaper to operate then the old floodlights as well, using only a third of the energy despite having 600 more lights.
The lights are the brainchild of Melbourne company APEC Electrical and their supplier Darkon who brought together a team of sixty designers, programmers and technicians to create the system.
The launch of the light system completes the restoration of the station’s exterior which has seen the repainting of the building in its original colours; the leaking roof fixed; and the clock tower and dome interiors restored.
Upgrade works continue around the station, increasing space and seating for passengers and the restoration of the Elizabeth and Degraves Street subways and main ticket hall.
The project has already completed works to make the station safer with extra myki gates, an additional entrance, improved lighting and an upgraded CCTV system.
The Labor Government’s $100 million Flinders Street Station Upgrade project is protecting the station’s beloved heritage features and improving the amenity for the 200,000 Victorians who use it each day.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan
“Flinders St has been the face of Melbourne for more than a century – and our works will protect the station for the next hundred years.”
“The new light system is the finishing touch of an exterior restoration that leaves the station looking as fresh as it did when it opened in 1910.”
“Works continue at Flinders St and Victorians will continue to notice changes and more works – all part of our effort to save Melbourne’s favourite building.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020