The story of Federation Square and how it became the landmark it is today involves six hard years and more than 5000 people. Behind every bit of the distinctive triangular façade, every wall, every window, there’s a story of battles, disputes and decisions, as the creative vision of the architects clashed with the demands of time and budget.

The dream of Federation Square began in 1997 when an international design competition to create one of the great civic, cultural and commercial spaces on top of a railway yard which separated the city of Melbourne from it's river.

A jury unanimously selected two unknown London-based architects from 177 entries.

Early 2002 the project was more than $200 million over budget. It was then two years behind schedule and with an election due at the end of the year, everyone was under pressure to get it finished.

And six months later it opened on 26 October, 2002. . .