Central Destination

The transformation of Central Station to accommodate a state‑of‑the‑art metro interchange requires the design of spatially and structurally efficient operational segments, and sophisticated, multilevel passenger‑flow strategies. But it must also be designed with the future in mind, so that the station becomes a centrepiece of additional placemaking and regeneration outcomes.

The metro insertion must accentuate the key heritage qualities of the existing architecture, and introduce new, architecturally inspiring elements that will not rupture the fundamental character of this fine example of Edwardian railway architecture. The Clock Tower, the original canopied concourse, and the general architectural gravitas remain iconic; any new interventions, however contemporary in architectural style, should elevate the station’s unique historic status.

The architecture of the Walter Vernon‑designed terminus, like other notable Victorian and Edwardian stations, is bold. This structure must now dovetail with equally bold, can‑do, 21st century interventions to give the station an entirely new functional and experiential vibe, so that up to 450,000 passengers per day can flow through its spaces and feel, quite palpably, an inspiring, highly efficient, and re‑energised coming together of old and new.

The project comprises four key areas:

• Upgrade of the Northern Concourse including a new feature roof which will preserve and  enhance the heritage aesthetics of Central Station
• A new metro station box beneath Central Station with a new north-south concourse and new canopies to reinstated Intercity platforms 12–14
• The landmark Central Walk – a new underground pedestrian concourse to help customers get around Sydney’s busiest railway station
• A new Eastern entrance at Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, and Eastern Suburbs Railway (ESR) concourse modifications.

The design vision and approach place the user experience at the centre of the transformation of Central Station. The creation of more open spaces such as the new Northern Concourse at key decision making points significantly improves circulation and station legibility, with enhanced accessibility, permeability, and connectivity across the station precinct, resulting in an intuitive and easily used station environment for all customers, irrespective of the mode of travel used. Natural light, particularly in the subterranean elements, is maximised to enhance the user experience, assisting orientation and intuitive wayfinding around the station.