The station was designed by architectural firm of Perrott Lyon Mathieson, with concept design by David Simpson, and detailed design by Graeme Butler. The design included the two pairs of platforms, a spacious concourse directly under LaTrobe Street, with entries facing the Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street corners. The Swanston Street corner included a set of raised circular platforms above the entry; during the Royal Visit, Queen Elizabeth was shown around the not yet operational station on the 28 May 1980, and unveiled a plaque naming it the Queen Elizabeth Plaza.