FAKE Eatlink Hotel

We did have a giggle reading this article by Kimberley Seedy in the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader.

Apparently, our artwork is a FAKE (OMG, shock horror!), why didn’t someone tell us that it wasn’t a real hotel?

A public open space under Lilydale station has been compared to “a fast food joint from the 80s”, joining a long list of controversial Melbourne developments.

The space beneath the new Maroondah Highway rail bridge was recently unveiled, following the removal of the Lilydale level crossing.

The Level Crossing Removal Project team have described it as an informal meeting space that fits the heritage and colour of Lilydale’s historic environment.

But locals are not convinced, with more than 300 people commenting on the space on the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page.

“The 70s called and want their colours back,” Michael Levin wrote, while Bev Moore said “it looks like a fast food joint from the 80s”.

“The colour is disgusting. What part of the Yarra Valley says fluoro orange?” Tania McCallum said.

Others raised fears about drug users and unsavoury characters using the open space, while many were worried about the lack of ramps at the new station for those with a disability if the lifts break down.

Level Crossing Removal Project program director Steve Brown said community consultation overwhelmingly supported the inclusion of an informal gathering space at the new Lilydale station, with more than 500 pieces of feedback received.

“The open space colours reflect tones of the Coldstream stone used in the station cladding and the red-rusty look of the bridge architectural screening, with three different versions of this colour scheme presented to our Stakeholder Liaison Group, which includes members of the community,” Mr Brown said.

“The final vibrant colour scheme reflects feedback from this group.

“The colourful open space will benefit Lilydale locals for decades to come, providing a place to meet and move through the new station precinct.”

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said new public spaces underneath railway lines have been quite successful in some other parts of Melbourne.

“The key is good design and that authorities keep them clean of rubbish and graffiti,” Mr Bowen said.

“Ramps from street level to the platforms have the advantage that they can’t break down, but we understand are not always practical.

“Where they can’t be provided, it’s critical that lifts are reliable and spacious, and that any problems are quickly reported and resolved to ensure passengers who can’t use stairs and escalators don’t get stuck.”

According to the Level Crossing Removal Project, the lifts at the station are built to adhere to accessibility requirements and allow people of all abilities to access the station and platforms. Back-up generators have been installed to ensure the lifts can still operate in the event of any power failures.

The Lilydale space is not the only design that has left Melburnians scratching their heads over the years. Check out some of most controversial developments.

FEDERATION SQUARE

It’s become a popular meeting spot in the heart of the city, but not everyone is a fan of the grey jagged building design of Fed Square, once named among the 10 ugliest buildings in the world.

The attraction has been mired in controversy for years, undergoing a redesign before its belated opening in October 2002.

KUBIX BUILDING KNOX

The design of the Kubix apartment towers opposite Westfield Knox has come under fire from many residents, who aren’t happy with its unusual colour scheme.

Concerns over the look of Knox’s high-rise buildings prompted the local council to come up with a $50,000 initiative to entice developers to come up with better designs.

YELLOW PERIL

Vault, also known as the Yellow Peril, caused a public outcry when it was commissioned as the centrepiece for City Square in 1980.

PIXEL BUILDING

The first carbon neutral building in the world was unveiled in Carlton in 2009, but not everyone is a fan, with one Reddit user labelling it one of Melbourne’s ugliest buildings.

FAKE EASTLINK HOTEL

It’s the hotel where you can’t spend the night. Constructed from steel, concrete and glass, the 20m hotel has confused many tourists wanting to book accommodation.