New state government dismisses design contest winner as expensive 鈥榗olouring-in competition鈥

A Herzog & de Meuron-designed scheme to redevelop Melbourne鈥檚 busiest train station is reportedly heading for the buffers.

The Swiss practice won a 2013 design competition to redevelop the city鈥檚 Flinders Street Station, alongside UK architect Purcell and Australian architect Hassell.

But the newly-appointed Labor state government in Victoria this month slammed the 拢1bn planned scheme 鈥 conceived by the previous centre-right administration 鈥 as a 鈥渃olouring-in competition at taxpayers鈥 expense鈥.

State treasurer Tim Pallas told broadcaster ABC a decision had yet to be made on the project, but added: 鈥淚t would be an inordinate burden upon taxpayers鈥.

Herzog and Purcell declined to comment. Victoria and Hassell have been contacted for comment.