Situated on the Werribee rail line, approximately 18 kilometres west of central Melbourne, the Aviation Road level crossing is located in the suburb of Laverton and municipality of Hobsons Bay City Council. Laverton is primarily residential in nature, with a smaller commercial zone and industrial uses south of Aircraft Station. Aviation Road Neighbourhood Activity Centre is one of three main shopping areas for the local community with direct connection to public transport and the Princes Freeway.
Following an extensive community consultation and multi-criteria assessment process, LXRP recommended a Road-Over-Rail solution to remove the Aviation Road level crossing.
The architectural design addressed the specific characteristics of the site, resolved technical engineering and constructability considerations and responded to stakeholder inputs, including UDAP and the local community. This included maximising safe and efficient connectivity into and through the underpass and delivering a distinctive architectural solution within the considerable pragmatic constraints.
Embracing the location’s unique character, with its strong past and present associations with aviation, the urban design concept suggests aeronautical references. This was achieved through abstracted form and materiality, while reimagining the precinct with a contemporary design language for the future.