· Light boxes installed featuring Australian music royalty to form part of the Dudley Street rail bridge
· Street renamed Wren Lane in honour of the family which owns and operates Festival Hall
· Victorian Coalition Government recognising Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene

The Regional Rail Link project has given rise to a unique way of celebrating an iconic Melbourne landmark, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

“In recognition of Festival Hall’s longstanding contribution to events and live music in Melbourne, a new precinct created as part of the Regional Rail Link project in West Melbourne will be renamed Wren Lane in honour of the Wren family, which has owned and operated Festival Hall for almost 100 years,” Mr Mulder said.

“Unveiled today, the new laneway precinct will also be home to a series of unique light box installations with images of iconic and internationally celebrated Australian musicians who have performed at Festival Hall over the years.

“The images of Nick Cave, Angus Young, Kylie Minogue, Daniel Johns, Michael Hutchence, and Chrissy Amphlett will feature on the light boxes that form part of the Dudley Street rail bridge, constructed as part of the award winning Regional Rail Link project, to enhance the safety and amenity of Wren Lane.”

Mr Mulder said the installations were a wonderful tribute to Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene.

“Festival Hall is an icon of Melbourne and its rich history of live music,”
Mr Mulder said.

“This is a wonderful way to honour its legacy, the family which established it and the legacy of the great Australian artists who have performed here.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the precinct celebrates Melbourne’s reputation as the country’s live music capital.

“The images chronicle Festival Hall’s history and pay tribute to the performers who have made it the iconic music venue that it is, while also preserving its history for future generations,” Cr Doyle said.

Regional Rail Link Authority CEO Corey Hannett said he was pleased the Regional Rail Link project was able to deliver something that recognises Festival Hall’s status as a longstanding contributor to Melbourne’s live music scene.

“Festival Hall has a fascinating history, and I am proud that the Regional Rail Link project has been able to collaborate with such an iconic Melbourne venue,” Mr Hannett said.

“The work the project has done around Festival Hall was complex, but the outcome is outstanding and will leave a positive legacy for nearby communities long after the project is completed.”

Peter Wilkinson, Alliance General Manager for the Regional Rail Link: City
– Maribyrnong River project team said the installations were the project’s way of saying thank you to Festival Hall and the local community that the project has worked with over the past few years to deliver better rail infrastructure.

“The new Dudley Street rail bridge is quite near Festival Hall, so the City
– Maribyrnong River team had to work closely with them when constructing it,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“I am pleased we have been able to give something back to the community through these installations. We’ve also installed better lighting and an upgraded CCTV system, making the area safer for the local community.

“I’d like to thank everyone we’ve worked with in this area and right along the job for their patience and support.”

Managing Director of Festival Hall, John Wren, said the installations had brought life to the area.

“The inclusion of light boxes featuring Australian music royalty, all of whom have performed at Festival Hall over the years, is a welcome attribute to this area,” Mr Wren said.