Relocating the museum
        Melbourne's city planners have made civic second-guessing an art form.  There
cannot be many cities that have been treated to the range of options, built
and unbuilt, to compare with our various city squares, or the great Jolimont
roofing plans.  Now, at last. Comes an opportunity for turning this talent to
advantage.
        Some of Melbourne's better minds have called for siting of our new museum to
be reconsidered.  They have suggested placing the museum (now in Swanston
Street, once considered for Victoria Market, formerly earmarked for the south
bank of the Yarra and currently planned for Carlton Gardens) in the
yet-to-be-created Federation Square.  Leaving aside the problems that may be
associated with yet another change of mind, the concept deserves serious
consideration.
        The site is close to similar amenities and would contribute to the creation
of an arts, entertainment and sporting precinct that has the potential to make
Melbourne's centre one of the most vibrant in the world.  The museum would be
diagonally opposite the arts centre, close to the soon-to-be revamped National
Gallery and only a short ferry ride from Scienceworks.          This, combined with
existing facilities at the MCG, the Entertainment Centre, Melbourne Park and
refurbished Olympic Park would provide an unparalleled blend of recreation
facilities.  Private enterprise, in the shape of developer David Marriner's
proposed food court and car park at the Herald and Weekly Times site, would
only add to the area's utility.
Building the museum at Federation Square would also find favor with those who
would prefer that a new building not encroach into the Carlton Gardens.
Certainly there seems little logic in trading one amenity for another when it
is possible to have both.
        There is another pressing factor in this debate.  The Gas and Fuel buildings
are being demolished and they should not make way for an ugly vacant lot -
this city has too many of those.  There are as yet no firm plans for any
distinguishing feature for the square.  It is vital that the square be
complete, or at least presentable, in the for the centenary of Federation.  If
the best result for the city is to build the museum at Federation Square.  It
is vital that the square be complete, or at least presentable, in time for the
city is to build the museum at Federation Square, such a decision would need
to be made soon.  A museum overlooking a river-side square has been described
as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Our civic leaders should not rule the
prospect out.  It deserves a closer look and more vigorous debate.
                                        - The Age (Editorial 30.5.96)