Decking the rail yards is a good idea. Melbourne is in desperate need large expansive open hard edged open space such as St Peters in Rome.
Our agoraphobic fear of open space has left Melbourne without an accessible outdoor temporary exhibition space. No where in Melbourne is there outdoor space suitable for major cultural events exhibitions or public gatherings.
Federation Square is not a square but more of a undulating forecourt. It’s design and planning a complete disaster.
Question is does Brumby have a real vision and will he get it right?
Jeff Kennett didn’t.
Kennett had a chance to incorporate the Museum into an expanded Federation square but didn’t. Instead of taking center stage the Museum is now located in the inner suburb of Carlton and is languishing as a result from poor attendance and recognition.
Brumby when opposition leader in 1996 had a chance to stop the Museum being built in Carlton but backed down in the last minute. Another lost opportunity and lack of vision and proper planning for Melbourne.