Frankston Station

Genton’s design broadened the scope and possibilities of a ‘station’. Frankston station was conceived as a civic building and not transport infrastructure. The form and materiality of the station buildings references the coastal terrain of Frankston, firmly grounding the station to this specific context. The canopy and screen floats above the station and gives a civic scale structure that acts as a gateway to the centre of Frankston.

The station buildings are shaped and placed to maximise integration with the surrounding public spaces to allow the station to be the centre for gathering and a vibrant hub for the city.

The new Frankston Station repositioned an unloved corner of Frankston in an iconic civic gateway. Genton’s design was one that met the need for a civic-scale structure, that responded to the context and helped revitalise central Frankston.

Genton re-interpreted station design principles to create a building and urban precinct that connects with the surrounding streets and reflects the unique coastal identity of Frankston. The greatest impact of this design that was grounded in its local context was to act as a catalysis for civic pride in Frankston.

Genton’s Design transformed the station precinct and the experience of commuters, tourists and local. The previous station at Frankston was a series of nondescript buildings with poor connectivity to the surrounding streets and ringed by poorly lit unsafe spaces.

The new design opened and connected spaces providing passive surveillance and increasing safety. Daily commuters can now arrive and depart increased comfort and enjoy unique moments as they progress through the station, from glimpses of sky to planting next to seats on the platform. Visitors to Frankston are now welcomed with the sense of arrival to coastal location.

Genton’s design innovates train station architecture by successfully challenging the traditional rules placed on station design, by placing equal weight on the commuter experience and integration with the public realm.

The result is a multi-faceted, multi-purpose community icon. Frankston Station creates an uplifting and unique commuter experience for those travelling both frequently and infrequently. It welcomes those arriving and leaves those departing with a clear reminder of where they’ve been. Frankston Station is also an embodiment of local culture, topography and civic pride - rejuvenating the heart of Frankston.

Creative and cost-effective measures were used throughout the design to achieve a high quality design outcome within the constraints of the rail infrastructure project. Examples include:

• Using creativity to turn functional/standard elements, such as the station canopy and station entry, into architectural icons.
• Materials were selected to reflect the local coastal landscape, be durable with low ongoing maintenance.
• Pre-fabrication for construction was used as the site was predominantly live throughout the duration of construction.
• Frankston Station is the first new station to have on-platform planting that references and enhances endemic coastal landscape.