They can't go over it and they can't go under it, so they will have to go around it.
That's the view of St Kilda Road campaigners who have lodged a writ with the Supreme Court demanding Planning Minister Richard Wynne consider an alternative design for the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.
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Metro Tunnel work beginning in 2017
Victorian government releases a video animation showcasing the first major works for the tunnel. (Video supplied by Melbourne Metro Rail)
Under existing plans, the Domain station is proposed to be built via a cut-and-cover technique along St Kilda Road, destroying about 220 trees and closing the boulevard to all but a trickle of traffic for up to three years.
Previously, the Save St Kilda Road group of local residents called for the government to dig a deeper tunnel underneath the road.
Now, another group of residents, the Domain Precinct Preservation Association, is demanding the government consider a different route altogether, which would cut through the western edge of the parkland surrounding the Shrine of Remembrance.
The Domain station would be constructed, also via cut and cover, underneath the garden.
The association said St Kilda Road could remain open and more than 100 trees would be saved under the alternative design.
It estimates its plan could save taxpayers $800 million, through not having to plant new trees on St Kilda Road after the cut-and-cover construction and a shorter tunnel, among other changes.
In his December assessment of the environmental effects statement of the project, the Planning Minister agreed that an alignment through the Shine of Remembrance Reserve should be further investigated.
"I have concluded that the environmental effects of the project as proposed for the Domain can be adequately mitigated and managed," he said. "However, I have also said that the opportunity for refinement of the project to achieve an even better environmental outcome should be facilitated."
Mr Wynne said the alternative design could result in potential traffic management, amenity and heritage benefits, "particularly in relation to tree retention".
But it is not clear when or how authorities will investigate the design option, because early works for the $11 billion transport project have started.
Robert Brunner, an engineer and St Kilda Road resident who worked on the alternative proposal, said he was prompted to redesign the Domain station with a number of other engineers, draftsman and urban planners after attending a public information session.
"Metro Rail put up their design and they couldn't answer quite basic questions, [including] why they didn't consider other locations," Mr Brunner said.
"By the end of that meeting I was just appalled at what they were pushing forward with and decided to come up with an alternative design."
Mr Brunner said the adjusted station design would mean St Kilda Road could remain open, the number 8 tram would not have to be rerouted from Domain Road and more than 100 trees would be saved.
"This alternative proposal would [destroy] around 20 mature and probably 15 saplings," he said. "There is a huge reduction in the tree loss."
Association spokesman Trevor Jensen said: "Everyone wants the infrastructure, but we have to balance it and not trash our treasures."
Deputy Premier James Merlino said: "People can take what action they want – this is a free society – but we are getting on with the job."
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy, a former planning minister, criticised the government for its environmental effects statement process.
"They haven't done their homework," he said. "This a major feature of Melbourne. If you are going to dig up 200 trees you better be upfront about it from the start, and they weren't."
But the Coalition leader said there was no appetite to dig up Melbourne's gardens.
A directions hearing is scheduled in the Supreme Court next week.