Under the plans,a giant deck will be constructed over the regional and intercity rail lines which terminate at Central,allowing about 15 buildings between four and 34 storeys to emerge above. A pedestrian avenue up to 24 metres wide – and larger than Pitt Street mall – will separate buildings.
Three pedestrian bridges will be built over the station’s suburban rail lines,improving east-west links from Surry Hills to Haymarket and Chippendale. The Goods Line,a key pedestrian connection from Ultimo,will also be extended from Railway Square to the historic Mortuary Station.
About 65,000 square metres will be designated public domain,almost a third of which is slated for parks,squares and plazas,including two civic spaces known as Central Square and Central Green.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the plans to transform unused space over the rail lines would convert the area into a destination and provide much-needed room for the CBD’s expansion.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine this iconic part of our CBD and transform it into a world-class precinct of shops,restaurants,office spaces,parkland and additional housing,” he said.
A large pedestrian concourse known asCentral Walk beneath the landmark railway station will be extended westwards,improving links between the two sides of the rail corridor.