New milestone for Metro Tunnel HQ

Metro Tunnel headquarters (HQ) on Swanston St notched up its latest milestone when it passed the 100,000 visitor mark recently.

The honour went collectively to grade five and six students from Garfield Primary School, south-east of the city, who celebrated with gift bags and party poppers, while they learned about the Metro Tunnel project.

Virtual reality goggles were popular, which the children used to see what it was like to be on a tunnel boring machine or to be involved in the archaeological dig that was an early part of the project.

Grade five student Chloe was excited to be part of the trip to Metro Tunnel HQ.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “I love the colours on the roof, and I love the plan because if my dad takes the train it’ll be a lot easier for him. I’m really excited because I love trains.”

Teacher Jan Forward described the trip to Metro Tunnel HQ as a great addition to the school’s Melbourne Camp.

“The kids are so excited about being the 100,000th visitors,” she said. “We weren’t expecting this much attention. After a three-day camp the kids are tired, but they’re engaged with what they’re learning.”

Another recent highlight for the Metro Tunnel Project has been the innovative Flinders Quarter Augmented Art Walk, which runs until October 31, giving people the chance to see art as they’d never seen it before through the free EyeJack app.

Rail Projects Victoria’s director of development and delivery Peter Wilkinson joined artists and business owners at the official launch of the art walk, describing it as a great business support activation.

“It’s in recognition of an area that’s well known,” he said. “This is the place you bring your interstate and overseas friends to and this is a great complementary addition to this already eclectic area.”

Through the EyeJack app, the famous Chloe painting at the Young & Jackson pub is surrounded by floating love letters as music plays in the background.  

More recent art from the likes of The Huxleys and Adele Varcoe has sparked the attention of locals and tourists alike as they add an extra splash of moving colour to the busy quarter.

The activities are the latest in the vibrant Flinders Quarter, which remains the place to be as work continues to deliver the Metro Tunnel.