Melbourne will have a transport hub to rival the great railway stations of the world following the AU$350 million transformation of Spencer Street Station into Southern Cross Station.

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said that an effective transport system was essential not only for Melburnians, but also for business tourists.

“Our studies show that convention delegates think ‘getting around Melbourne is easy’ and anything that improves our system even further is vitally important.

“The Southern Cross Station is located close to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and the new Convention Centre site. It is a convenient location and will enable international visitors to access the delights of regional Victorian destinations,” she said.

The new Station is the size of three city blocks and includes a spectacular wave form roof and a massive entrance featuring striking glass paneling, etched with the words Southern Cross Station.

The airport style transport interchange links the Docklands precinct with the central business district of Melbourne.

The transport interchange includes 120 passenger information plasma screens with real time train arrival and departures, a 30-bay coach station, baggage-handling facilities, car parking for 800 cars and a new retail plaza with more than 120 specialty shops, cafes and eateries.

The project is part of the biggest rail revitalization program for Melbourne and Victoria in 120 years.