Work will begin immediately on new Sydney Metro platforms at Central Station, after Laing O’Rourke was awarded the $955 million Central Walk contract on Wednesday.
Laing O’Rourke will excavate and construct new 27-metre long platforms beneath Central’s existing platforms 13 and 14, and will build a new 19-metre wide underground concourse from Chalmers Street, connecting pedestrians with new and existing platforms, light rail, and buses.
“We have assembled a team who will deliver a world-class result for the NSW Government, the people of Sydney and the businesses and customers who rely on Central every day,” managing director Cathal O’Rourke said on March 7.
Laing O’Rourke will work with architecture firm Woods Bagot, and its partner John McAslan + Partners, as well as a design partnership of GHD and Aurecon, to deliver the project.
The new platforms will be part of the Sydney Metro CBD & Southwest line.
NSW transport minister Andrew Constance said the Sydney Metro project represents a good opportunity to provide a “massive upgrade” to Central Station.
“This is the start of Central’s long-awaited renewal, bringing new entrances and simpler interchanges that will make life so much easier for customers,” the minister said.
“Central Station is the gateway to our great city, and we are working to develop a station that blends heritage with innovative design on par with other grand stations around the world.”
Constance said Transport for NSW would be working hard to minimise impacts to commuters as much as possible throughout the construction work.
“As customers get on with their daily lives at Central Station, the Sydney Metro platforms will be constructed right under their feet,” he said.
Sydney Business Chamber executive director Patricia Forsythe said the contract represented the next opportunity for major urban renewal in the CBD.
“Just as Barangaroo created a new jobs hub in the CBD, so will redevelopment over and adjoining Central Station,” Forsythe said.
“Central Station is well overdue for transformation and new stations and enhanced access must be the catalyst for creating a new precinct that will attract investment, create jobs and give Sydney another opportunity to grow its economy as a centre of technology, innovation and creativity.”