Armadale Station

After 133 years of serving the south-east of Perth, WA, Armadale Station has received a complete makeover. Reopened in late 2025 as part of the 8-kilometre METRONET Byford Rail Extension, the station has been rebuilt and modernised into a major civic gateway for one of Western Australia’s fastest-growing communities.

Elevating the rail line and removing three busy level crossings unlocked a vast, previously restricted corridor beneath the viaduct. Landscape architecture practice UDLA led the public realm transformation for both Armadale and Byford Stations, reshaping a heavy infrastructure footprint into a vibrant, people-focused precinct that includes dog parks, cycling trails, and public art. 

“The aim was to create a civic place that could be activated in different ways and support a range of community uses, rather than being seen simply as transport infrastructure,” said Nick Rose, Senior Associate Landscape Architect at UDLA.

Furniture was key to the success of these spaces. A mix of standalone and plinth-mounted Aria Seating configurations complement the design language established by station architects WW+P and Hames Sharley, and adapt well to different spatial requirements.

“We chose Aria because it gave us both standard and custom elements within one consistent suite. It allowed us to respond to different site conditions, from retaining walls to standalone seats and benches.” says Rose. 

To celebrate local culture, public artwork by Noongar artist Dellas Benell is integrated into the surrounding sandstone, depicting native animals and circular movements that honour the precinct as a historic meeting place. Custom-curved Linea Seats and Benches follow this landscape geometry, atop the annular plinth walls, reinforcing the gathering circles. 

Nearby Semi Hoop Bicycle Stands and an Arqua Drinking Fountain provide everyday amenity for commuters and visitors.

With long-term asset maintenance a strict priority for the Public Transport Authority (PTA), natural hardwood, which requires oiling every three months, was ruled out. Instead, aluminium woodgrain battens (Wood Without Worry) were specified, offering the long lasting, premium appearance of timber while being extremely low maintenance. The unified finish of frames in Monument complement the broader architectural palette. 

Aluminium woodgrain battens are also widely specified across NSW train stations. Our recent audit of these battens confirms they have stood the test of time after a decade of heavy daily traffic.

“There was a requirement for almost zero maintenance,” says Rose. “Wood Without Worry allowed us to have a durable, low-maintenance alternative to timber that is as hard-wearing as aluminium.”

The local community has embraced both Armadale and Byford Stations – modern transit hubs created by the same design team, now ready for the years to come.