Last week saw the long-awaited premiere of the Woods Bagot-designed redevelopment of the 115-year-old Sydney Central Rail Station. The project, which was developed over five years with the help of partners John McAslan + Partners, expands passenger capacity by more than 60%, focusing on an enhanced customer experience, the role of placemaking and preserving the terminal’s Edwardian architectural character.

John Prentiss of Woods Bagots Transportation Leas says it “significantly improves traffic and station readability, resulting in a station design that is simple and intuitive for all customers, regardless of the mode of transport used.”

“The new subway and station installations are purposeful, functional and sculpturally designed to complement the historic qualities of the original station. The choice of materials places the proposals in their local context and brings a civic quality to the new station works,” he added.

The project is part of a wider ongoing expansion and modernisation of the Sydney Metro, estimated to be worth around $14.4 billion.