Gadigal People of the Eora Nation
NSW
Servicing 96 percent of Sydney’s train services, Central Station forms the backbone of the entire rail network. The introduction of the new metro station has added an average of 24,400 passenger boardings on a typical weekday to existing customer numbers. The metro interchange required the design of spatially and structurally efficient operational segments, and sophisticated, multilevel passenger flow strategies. Designed with the future in mind, the station serves additional placemaking and regeneration outcomes. The project includes a dramatic new main entrance sequence for the imposing early 20th century edifice and incorporates a distinctive 50m-span vaulted roof. The bold architecture of the original structure dovetails with equally bold, 21st century interventions giving the station an entirely new functional and experiential vibe, accommodating up to 450,000 passengers a day. The Clock Tower, the original canopied concourse, and the Edwardian architecture remain iconic, while the new contemporary interventions elevate the station’s historic status.
This world-class design repositions Central as a key civic landmark while improving the way people live, work, play and connect. By balancing heritage sensitivity with elegant and respectful architectural intervention, Central Station’s transformation enhances mobility, deepens cultural identity, and ensures a sustainable legacy for Sydney. Beyond function, the design introduces new life to the precinct while respecting and celebrating its past. Central Station now has set a new benchmark for integrated transport and urban design, ensuring an intuitive, efficient, and connected user experience. The project prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and community integration, shaping a resilient future for Sydney’s transport landscape.
Laing O’Rourke, Project Manager
Laing O’Rourke, Quantity Surveyor
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture), Civil and Rail Engineering
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture) + Fredon (Stage 3 Design & Construction phases), MEP
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture), Back-of-House (BOH) Architecture – AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture)
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture), Human Factors
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture), Pedestrian Modelling
AGJV (Aurecon/GHD Joint Venture), Durability Consultant
Warrington Fire, Fire Engineering
Taylor Thomson Witting (TTW), Facades
Steensen Varming, Front-of-House Lighting Design
BCA Logic (now Jensen Hughes), Building Surveyor
Accessible Building Solutions, Access Consultant
Wilkinson Murray, Acoustic Consultant
Büro North, Signage & Wayfinding
Büro North, Customer-Centred Design
Büro North, Industrial Design
Artefact, Indigenous Architects
OCP Architects, Indigenous Heritage Consultants
Karabiner Access, Access and Maintenance
NGH Environmental, Environmental Consultant
Techtile Consulting, Flooring Technical Advisor
Windtech, Wind Engineering, Glare and Reflectivity
Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft, Aboriginal Artist
Rose Nolan, Public Artist
Sydney Metro & Creative Road, Public Art Curator
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
