16 Oct 2024

It’s been a big month for Preston’s Bell Station.

Just weeks after being named one of the world’s most beautiful stations with a nomination in the prestigious Prix Versailles world architecture and design award, the station has welcomed its next crowning glory – a striking sculpture by local artist Lisa Waup.

Standing more than 2 metres tall, Embedded Memory is made of Corten steel composed of intricate lines that mirror a thumbprint.

“This work begins with and acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, the traditional custodians of this land and their unwavering ties to Country, waterways, community, and culture,” Lisa said.

Lisa was born in Preston and sees Bell Station as a canvas for connection; a place that brings its community together and provides places to be and to connect.

“Through this piece, I want to boldly underscore the significance of the Wurundjeri, of ancestors, the past, present and future,” she said.

“Within these lines, the memory of the landscape resides – the rivers that have shaped this place.

“These rivers, like threads, have woven the fabric of community, connecting paths and generations."

Embedded Memory was manufactured by Sculpture Co in Sunshine and has been installed in the grassed area in front of Bell Station.

The station design reflects Preston’s rich history with post-war roof tops, and references to the local art and culture scene.

Aspects from each can be seen in the station façade with local roofscapes abstracted into a three-dimensional pattern and the pink and purple coloured glazing.

It also included upgraded and modern facilities, elevated platforms with seating protected from Melbourne’s weather, lifts and stairs to make it easier for everyone to catch the train and more spaces to securely lock bikes.

The new Bell Station was built as part of works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossings at Oakover Road, Bell Street, Cramer Street and Murray Road in Preston in 2022, by elevating the Mernda Line over the roads.

A shared walking and cycling path from Oakover Road through to Murray Road connects locals to the new Bell and Preston stations and open spaces featuring seating, play areas, barbecue facilities, amphitheatre, and native planting.