Beyond the Façade: Flinders Street , more than just a railway station
By Jenny Davies
This handsome book of 340 pages explores the history of Flinders Street Station from the earliest station built in the 1850s to the current building completed in 1910. The Victorian Railway Commissioners of the late 1890s decided that the site on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Street required a building of a magnitude and style that Melburnians could be proud of. The award winning design of 1899 included office space and retail shops that could be rented commercially thus generating substantial income to offset the bank loan. A third storey with substantial social, recreational and educational facilities was added to accommodate the newly formed Victorian Railway Institute.
Beyond the Façade incorporates the history of the VRI and the well known retailers, City Hatters and Hearns Hobbies. Anecdotal stories from passionate users of the station and railway employees are also included. This book heralds the forthcoming centenary celebration of the official opening of the station and of the VRI which will occur on 22 January 2010.
Feel free to contact me on (03) 5426-2142 or jenny.davies7@bigpond.com with either enquiries or stories.