City Square

Melbourne’s City Square. There’s always something happening in this little part of town on the corner of Colins and Swanston, just opposite the town hall.
Bit of history: City Square was developed as a civic centre in the late 1970s following the Melbourne City Council’s long expression of interest in creating one
When I was there last, it was just a stand here from Falun Gong about the Chinese government’s treatment of their members, which is a regular sight anyway and isn’t limited to just City Square or the CBD itself. Often they will be in Box Hill outside the Centro entrance onto Bank Street outside Breadtop is another place they often set up in.
The sculptures are always there, the monument to Burke and Wills along with other recent quirky statues. Although a few years ago the dog, Larry La Trobe, was stolen one night, the current one is a new cast from the same mould. Another permanent feature of the square is the John Mockridge Fountain, although that was turned off during the drought. And there are also always people in the cafés around the square.
There was another sculptre there that has been removed for a while: the yellow steel sculpture by artist Ron Robertson-​Swann entitled «Vault» (and given the nickname «The Yellow Peril» after so many people disliked it) can now be found outside the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), where it is located on the corner of Dodds and Grant St, Southbank. If you want to see it, and/​or go to ACCA, take the 1 Tram in the South Melbourne Beach direction and get off at Stop 18. Cross the road, it will be on your left side. Walk up a block, it will be on your right side. Or alternatively, take the 3/​3a, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 or 72 out of the city and down St. Kilda Rd. to Stop 17, cross the road to your right, walk down Grant Street. Statue will be on your left.
When the square is not occupied with something happening, the weather is fine and if I have time to do, I enjoy just sitting here and watching people going about the daily grind. There is plenty of room to sit and enjoy in and around Melbourne.
Parking is limited in the area, just get here by walking, PT or bicycle.

City Square is a funny little pocket of the city that shows a bit of the eclectic side of Melbourne. During event times, it’s fantastic. This space is brought to life during major events like Comedy Festival, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and Christmas time — providing a central hub for free shows, displays and the city’s Christmas Tree. There’s a little patch of green space, plus a line of vendors to sit down and grab a bite or a drink if you need a break from shopping nearby.
When it’s not occupied by events, it seems to be the preferred place for protesters, annoying people with flyers, and a rather terrifying busker that likes to shriek at people waiting for their tram while he plays with marionette puppets. I once escorted an out of town friend to her tram late in the evening while he was there and we decided to stay with her until she was in the clear.
Provided there’s no one loitering around ready to harass you with puppets or political agendas, it’s worth dropping by to check out what’s happening or put up your feet near the fountains.

Okay, I understand that Unilocal shouldn’t really be the place to voice your political opinions, but I’ll say it…
I’m pretty glad that Occupy Melbourne as been removed from City Square because quite frankly they were an eyesore and the entire rally was a total joke and to anyone who disagrees…
COME AT ME BRO!
—
Besides that, I quite like City Square and the main reason for that is the architecture — it’s just a really great looking place. The water fountain wall thing, the wooden plank boards along the miniature stream, whoever designed City Square gets a solid A+ in my book.
After all, I’m a pretty huge fan of man-​made beauty, simple and minimal yet genius in every single way.
I don’t think that Adam C. realises that Starbucks is not an entity that would exist without support from people. Large chains do not exist if there are not people in the world who enjoy it. And as for the Starbucks at City Square, there are people who like Starbucks.
If someone doesn’t like the commercial shops and restaurants at City Square or don’t support big companies, they don’t have to give their business. The rules of consumerism and economics do not change — big companies or small.
—
Additionally, I always go to City Square to meditate every now and again, which shows that as long as you’re not causing trouble, everyone’s welcoming to head to City Square as much as they like. Occupy Protesters hassling people who walk by is not a prime example of peaceful community.

City Square was developed as a civic centre in the late 70s following the Melbourne City Council’s long expression of interest in creating one. Nowadays it isn’t seen as a public space by council but as a commercial space, as the recent removal of Occupy Melbourne protesters confirmed. It seems the square is no longer «for the people» — it’s for the businesses who operate inside it, such as Starbucks.
The fact that no one really hangs out in the square itself and that the businesses inside it are a bit on the tourist-​trap side means there isn’t much point in going there if you’re visiting Melbourne. Even the most interesting feature has long been removed — the yellow steel sculpture by artist Ron Robertson-​Swann entitled «Vault» (and given the nickname «The Yellow Peril» after so many people disliked it — but what’s new with Melbourne’s attitude to public artworks?) can now be found outside the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).

There is always something happening in Melbourne’s City Square. This time when I was there it was Occupy Melbourne protesters, an orthodox Jew with watching over the palm leaf covered tent for the feast of the tabernacle and a large sculpture of a black baby demon from the Melbourne Festival. There was also the regular protest here from Falung Gong about the Chinese government’s treatment of their members, they are almost always there. A month ago there was a huge pavilion for Melbourne’s Fashion Week. Soon it will be filled with Melbourne’s Christmas Tree and Santa’s Mail Box.
The sculptures are always there, the monument to Burke and Wills along with other recent quirky statues. Although a few years ago the dog, Larry La Trobe, was stolen one night, the current one is a new cast from the same mould. Another permanent feature of the square is the John Mockridge Fountain, although that was turned off during the drought. And there are also always people in the cafés around the square.
When the square is not occupied with something happening and the weather is fine I enjoy just sitting here. There is plenty of room to sit and enjoy Melbourne.