During the first six months of operation it attracted more than 3 million visitors, of which 45 percent were from outside Melbourne, including 16 percent from overseas.
Hyder’s multi-disciplined team of engineers was responsible for concept and design development, detailed design and documentation, and construction supervision.
Indicative of the complex challenges of the project is the 35,000 m2, main deck which supports landscaped outdoor spaces offering an inspiring setting for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions and film screenings.  This is the largest expanse of above-rail structure ever constructed in Australia.

Visitors’ enjoyment of Australian arts and culture has been made possible through Hyder’s innovative use of spring bearings to provide acoustic isolation from vibration caused by rail lines below the deck. Our solution included the installation of crash walls parallel to existing rail lines, strengthening the structural deck to support future buildings in addition to providing a safety barrier in the event of a train derailment.
Federation Square was winner of the Victorian Tourism Award for Major Attraction in 2006.