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			22 November 2008




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Grand vision to develop Central Station as Sydney’s green gateway

26 March 2008

Up to 500,000 square metres of retail and business space could be created above railway lines at Central Station in a radical rethink of the area as part of the City of Sydney's Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan.

This is one of the project ideas in the City of Sydney's Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision unveiled today following 12-months of consultation with tens of thousands of Sydneysiders. The draft plan will considered by Council on Monday 7 April for public exhibition from April 17 as part of the final consultation phase.

Under the plan, an inspiring gateway to the City connected by green pedestrian networks and public transport, and providing a centre for business, residents and education, could be created in the air space above Central Station.

Building around the station and over the railway lines with new development, streets and parks would also help to heal the rail line scar that divides the city.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the plans were developed after extensive consultations with residents. "Sustainable Sydney 2030 delivers to residents of Sydney what they have told us they want: A global, green and connected city."

The proposal would provide a stunning transport and service hub to Sydney and a green pedestrian link between Prince Alfred Park and Central Station, Railway Square and Belmore Park and all the way to Circular Quay.

"Dovetailing with Jan Gehl's vision to open Circular Quay to the people by improving access and views by taking down the Cahill expressway and reconnecting the city with our stunning harbour."

"It would be the beginning of a new people friendly boulevard running through the heart of the City, linked by public Squares at Circular Quay in the north, Sydney Town Hall at the centre and Central in the south.

"A public transport, walking and cycling priority route connecting the City's north to its south was one of the recommendations from Danish architect Jan Gehl's work which has been incorporated into Sustainable Sydney 2030."

The Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan has been developed by some of Sydney's best minds across urban planning, design and architecture including Ken Maher the Chairman of Sydney firm Hassell.

"The precinct around Central Station provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and energise this distinctive part of the city. We have proposed ideas for not just one, but six new public squares and parks forming a necklace around this historic landmark and transport hub," Maher said.

"A new neighbourhood to the south of the station, with a network of new streets, could provide much needed east-west connections to bring Chippendale and Surry Hills together."

"A major new public venue using the air space over the rail lines could have a front door to a more pedestrian friendly Railway Square, giving greater vitality and meaning to this southern gateway to the city centre. A grand pedestrian promenade would link Cleveland Street past Prince Alfred and Belmore Parks, and on to Goulburn Street, while George Street would continue south past Railway Square to provide a direct link to the south of the city," Maher said.

The Central Station proposal could also:

Include upgraded public domain with clear pedestrian priority providing connections to surrounding activities in Haymarket, Ultimo, Surry Hills and City South;
Provide an improved pedestrian plaza with above ground to link Devonshire Street;
simplify traffic movements;
Activate Belmore Park by creating a building edge along Hay Street linked to the Haymarket Activity Hub;

While protecting Central Station's beautiful and iconic 102 year old terminal, it could also be revitalised as a centre for business and trade, and linked to a relocation site for an Exhibition and Convention centre.

Revitalising the areas around Central Station means residents in Surry Hills, Chippendale and Haymarket benefit from better connections, more open space and new services and businesses in the neighbourhood.

WHO IS BEHIND SUSTAINABLE SYDNEY 2030?

Sustainable Sydney 2030 is an initiative of the City of Sydney working with a team of Sydney's best minds in urban planning, architecture and design. The team has listened to the community and developed the strategy and project ideas.

The team led by City of Sydney and SGS Economics and Planning includes; Simpson + Wilson; Kinesis; Anagram; Strategic Economics; Australia Street Company; Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects; Lacoste Stevenson; Tonkin Zulaika Greer; Merrima Design; Tony Caro Architecture; Francis -Jones Morehen Thorpe; Johnson Pilton Walker; Hassell; Neeson Murcutt; Olsson Associates; Peter McGregor; Neil Prosser; James Mather Delauney and Bates Smart.

MEDIA CONTACT: Josh MacKenzie (02) 92659082, or 0402 351 459