The Urban-Design led scheme for Frankston Station includes significant upgrades to the surrounding precinct to enhance, activate and improve connectivity to the local community and visitors. Genton challenged station design that traditionally prioritises the commuter over the community. Our competition entry was as an opportunity to redesign the surrounding forecourt and precinct to enhance connectivity within the central Frankston town centre, reversing the divisive nature of the existing on-grade rail line. The design unifies the bisected precinct by linking Frankston Beach, Chisholm Institute, Peninsula Aquatic Centre and the existing retail and commercial precinct. The local community has a long and strong association with the station due to its location at the heart of Frankston. Understanding this association and recognising the desire for a building that would speak at a social level to the diverse Frankston community drove Genton to design a station with civic conscience. The forecourt and geometry creates a grand sense of arrival and recognisable back drop for meeting and events that is distinctly Frankston due to the continuous beach-inspired terrain and light ephemeral nature of the canopy screen.

The Architecture of the train station is designed to be consistent with the recent public domain works within the surrounding precinct. The forms, levels and planting are designed to reference the undulating forms of sand dunes, contributing to the sense of arrival at the coastal destination and are continued onto the platform. A canopy designed to sheathe the existing rail infrastructure is elevated to ‘float’ above the station, restoring sightlines inhibited in the original station. Genton’s urban approach and technical appreciation has delivered a design for both the station and the precinct.  The potential electrification of the rail line beyond Frankston is anticipated and Genton’s masterplan and Architecture allows for opportunities to further activate Young Street and broader public domain without substantial changes or disruption.

We are proud to acknowledge the Bunurong Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Country in which Frankston Station is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Photography: Peter Clarke