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The central hub of what will be Australia’s largest infrastructure project opens to the public
Sydney’s Central Metro Station has opened to the public following an upgrade delivered by Laing O’Rourke and designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan Partners. The upgrade is part of the larger Sydney Metro project, the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Australia.
Once the transport network is complete, the city will have 31 stations and over 66 kilometers of new metro network, providing a state-of-the-art service for a global metropolis. Representing an investment of $21.6 billion, this major undertaking demonstrates the New South Wales government’s commitment to modernizing Sydney’s transport system.
Central Station, which handles 96% of Sydney's train services, forms the backbone of the entire system. The recently completed work, which includes the refurbishment of the existing station and the addition of new space, means it can now accommodate up to 40,000 passengers per hour, an increase of 60% on its previous capacity.
The new network also stands out for the significantly reduced travel times being achieved with driverless trains. From Central Station, you can reach Martin Place in just four minutes, North Sydney in nine minutes, and Chatswood in 15 minutes.
A key element of the upgrade is the construction of two new metro platforms, strategically positioned beneath existing platforms 13 and 14. This addition creates an important interchange, linking the new metro with suburban, intercity, and regional rail services.
Another key feature of the project is Central Walk, a 19 m wide underground concourse designed to improve pedestrian flows. This walkway links Chalmers Street and the Sydney Metro directly to the new platforms, while also providing easier access to platforms 16–23 with new escalators and elevators.
The new North-South Concourse and the renovated Northern Concourse both represent significant steps forward. The former replaces dark pedestrian tunnels with a light-filled public space in the tradition of large train halls. The new connections significantly improve user orientation within the station, as well as permeability with the surrounding neighborhoods.
The new station has achieved a 6-star Green Star Design and As Built rating certification, while the refurbished station has achieved a Leading Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating.
“The design vision and approach place the customer experience at the center of the transformation. The implementation of open spaces, such as the new Northern Concourse and Central Walk, significantly improves circulation and station legibility, resulting in a station design that is easy and intuitive for all customers, irrespective of the mode of travel used.”
John Prentice, Woods Bagot Principal and Transport Lead
“The reimagined Northern Concourse has created a new heart for Central that respects the station’s existing Edwardian architecture. The new roof sensitively intersects and contrasts with the heritage sandstone buildings, whilst kite-shaped skylights create a unique sense of place.”
Troy Uleman, director of McAslan + Partners’ Sydney office
>>> Discover the new access to kendall/mit metro station
Location: Sydney
Completion: 2024
Client: Laing O’Rourke on behalf of Sydney Metro
Architect: Woods Bagot and John Mc Aslan Partners
Photography by Trevor Mein, courtesy of Woods Bagot and John Mc Aslan
