Melbourne's beloved Campbell Arcade reopens today after extensive Metro Tunnel restoration works.
Melbourne’s 70-year-old Campbell Arcade reopens as Metro Tunnel works prepare to connect passengers to Flinders Street Station and the new Town Hall Station.
The arcade closed in 2022 to build the pedestrian link between Flinders Street Station and the Metro Tunnel’s new Town Hall Station. Town Hall Station forms part of five new stations opening later this year, arriving a year ahead of schedule.
Beat Magazine reported on the closure in 2018, with some stores operating out of the arcade for as long as 50 years.
“It’s home to some of Melbourne’s arty retail favourites: The Sticky Institute zine shop, Wax Museum Records and Corky Saint Claire jewellery, to name just a few.
“Store owners at Campbell Arcade have been told their leases will end in mid-2019, and their former underground haven of creativity will be demolished to make way for the new tunnel.”
Campbell Arcade – Metro Tunnel
- Opens: today
- Location: Between Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street
- Access points: Town Hall Station, Flinders Street Station, Degraves Street
- Shop fronts: Eight tenancies opening later this year
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The pedestrian link runs from Town Hall Station under Flinders Street. It tracks behind Campbell Arcade before connecting with the existing station infrastructure. This design gives passengers options to access Flinders Street Station or enter the arcade directly.
Passengers can also reach the arcade through Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street. This creates another access point to Melbourne’s busiest stations. The restoration preserved the arcade’s distinctive character while modernising its infrastructure.
Restoration works
Works included replacing the ceiling and upgrading lighting systems. Heritage features from the 1950s received careful restoration treatment. These include tiled shop fronts and original display cases. The arcade retains its pink-tiled curved walls, granite columns and prominent windows.
Campbell Arcade opened in 1955 as Melbourne’s first major public construction project after World War II. The Victorian Heritage Register recognised its significance in 2015. Plans for Metro Tunnel integration developed through consultation with Heritage Victoria and public input.
The Metro Tunnel Project worked closely with previous tenants throughout construction. The project team relocated businesses to new premises before works began. Eight shop fronts will welcome new tenants later this year, with applications currently underway.
The Metro Tunnel represents Melbourne’s biggest rail network transformation in more than 40 years. The project will free up City Loop capacity to run more trains more often across additional lines. This increased capacity supports Melbourne’s growing population and transport demands.
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