November will finally see the long-awaited opening of the major upgrade to Sydney’s Redfern Station, after enduring three years of delays and exceeding the budget by $66 million.
Initially slated for completion by late 2020 with a budget of $100 million, the Redfern station upgrade encountered numerous setbacks. However, the project is now set to conclude in November, requiring a revised budget of $166 million. Transport for NSW pointed to pandemic-related shutdowns that hampered the progress of building contractors as the primary cause for the delays.
At the heart of this project lies the six-meter wide walkway, spanning the bustling rail lines at the station’s southern terminus. Additionally, new lifts and stairs have been installed, facilitating access to platforms one to ten.
Designed to alleviate congestion during peak periods, the new pedestrian bridge will alleviate pressure at the northern end of the station. The upgraded Redfern Station will greatly enhance connectivity with the surrounding areas, forging stronger links with key destinations such as South Eveleigh (previously known as Australian Technology Park) and prominent educational institutions.
Another interesting aspect of the upgraded station is the public’s ability to traverse the bridge unhindered by ticket barriers. This enhancement seeks to streamline the pedestrian movement and elevate the overall commuting experience.
As part of the Redfern Station upgrade, a 130-year-old heritage building was moved to a new location. The building, weighing 70 tonnes, travelled 18 metres down Platform 1 at Redfern Station to its new home. The purpose of the move was to ensure that the construction of new stairs and lift shafts for the New Southern Concourse did not disrupt the building’s structure.
The heritage building, believed to have been built in 1884, has served various functions throughout its history. It has been an electrical workshop, a ticket office, a station office, and a railway telegraph office.
Beyond its immediate impact, the Redfern Station upgrade represents the initial phase of the redevelopment plan for the Redfern-North Eveleigh precinct. The state government envisions the construction of buildings reaching up to 28 storeys on a 10-hectare plot of railway land to establish a residential, entertainment, and technology hub.
This undertaking aims to align Redfern Station with accessibility standards, rectifying years of neglect in terms of upgrades. The project’s funding is sourced from the government’s $2.2 billion transport access program. Complying with federal law, Transport for NSW bears the legal responsibility to provide non-discriminatory accessible services for individuals with disabilities.
Despite its history of delays and budgetary challenges, the imminent completion of the Redfern Station upgrade is poised to be a significant boon for commuters and the local community. The improved accessibility and enhanced amenities are set to enhance the travel experience for the thousands of individuals traversing one of Sydney’s busiest train stations.
Published 3-July-2023
