Sydney’s Central Station will be home to the largest escalator in the southern hemisphere as part of a total overhaul of the country’s busiest train station.
Key points:
- 42 new escalators are being built underground at Central Station
- The station’s upgrade also includes Central Walk, an underground 80m-long pedestrian link
- The 45m escalators are expected to be operational in 2024
The 45-metre stairs are just two of 42 new escalators currently being built underground in Central Station.
They will be accompanied by a new underground pedestrian link named Central Walk — an 80m-long concourse underneath platforms 16 to 23.
The ambitious project is a key part of the NSW government’s $108.5 billion public infrastructure pipeline aimed at driving the state’s COVID-19 recovery.
Premier Dominic Perrottet on Tuesday said the new development at Central Station would be “incredibly beautiful”.
“This new development is in keeping with the aesthetics and the beauty of the most iconic station in the country,” he said.
Parts of Central Walk along with several new escalators and lifts across platforms 12 to 23 will open to the public later this year.
But Sydneysiders will be waiting much longer to see the 45m escalators with the new underground metro stations not expected to become operational until 2024.
The $955 million upgrade comes amid increasing issues with congestion and overcrowding across Sydney.
Approximately 170,000 Australians currently pass through Central Station every day.
By 2042, this is expected to soar to 450,000 daily users.
Since its inception in 1906, Central Station has become an iconic part of Sydney’s cultural and architectural profile.
Transport Minister David Elliott said the new investment would make Sydneysiders’ daily commute “much easier”.
“When complete, this underground link will make it easier for customers to connect with train, bus light rail and metro services,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen accused the Premier and Transport Minister of failing to disclose the real cost of the project.
“Two years ago the then Transport Minister conceded that this project was already $3 billion over budget,” she said.
“What is the cost today? This is a massive transport project paid for with public money. The Premier and Transport Minister can’t just turn up whenever there’s a photo op.”
