The new 2,240 sq m vaulted roof at Sydney’s Central Station has been revealed to the public for the first time with installation underway as part of the city’s new Sydney Metro.
The lightweight canopy rises to 16m above the northern concourse, and is intended as a landmark covered space and the centrepiece of the refurbished heritage station, which is Australia’s busiest.
It is being constructed by Laing O’Rourke and was designed in partnership with John McAslan + Partners and Woods Bagot.
Kite-shaped skylights admit daylight into the new concourse
The design vision was inspired by John McAslan + Partners’ work at King’s Cross Station in London.
It aims to simplify wayfinding to all parts of the station from the grand concourse, which is the confluence point for intercity and suburban trains, Light Rail and the new Sydney Metro, with its platforms 27m underground.
Wayfinding is crucial as some 500,000 travellers are expected to navigate the station, built in 1906, every day.
Kite-shaped skylights admit daylight into the new concourse.
The roof creates a landmark covered space and the centrepiece of the refurbished heritage station
"Like our King’s Cross scheme in the UK, this project will give Sydney a great new city space at the heart of one of the world’s most historic stations," said John McAslan, Executive Chairman of John McAslan + Partners.
Troy Uleman, Director, John McAslan + Partners Sydney said: "Designed as a great, light filled unifying space at the heart of the station, helping to make wayfinding more intuitive; whilst also highlighting the heritage and civic value of the early 20th century terminus building, smaller Electric building and reemphasising the Eddy Avenue entrance. For the first time in a long time, we will be able to experience these buildings in their full grandeur."
Wayfinding is crucial as some 500,000 travellers are expected to navigate the station, built in 1906, every day (Render by John McAslan + Partners and Woods Bagot)
The roof spans 32m (north to south) and 70m (east to west).
Central Station is Australia’s busiest station servicing 96% of Sydney’s train services.
Top image: The roof will encapsulate a "great, light-filled space", said John McAslan + Partners (All images by Cath Bowen/Rusty Goat Media)
