A Brief History of Sydney's Central Station

Sydney’s Central Station is the busiest in NSW, with more than 250,000 passengers passing through its turnstiles daily.

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Sydney's Central Station 1910

First opened on August 4, 1906, and located on the doorstep of Surry Hills and the Sydney CBD, Sydney’s Central Station initially replaced the previous Sydney Terminal Station, which had become unable to handle the growing rail traffic. This new station was designed to serve as the central hub for both suburban and long-distance trains, reflecting the city's incredible expansion and growing demand for efficient public transport.

The station's original design featured a grand sandstone facade, with a clock tower that became a prominent landmark in the city. It was built on the site of the Devonshire Street Cemetery, which was relocated to make way for the new transportation hub. 

Expansion and Modernisation (1930s-1980s)

As Sydney continued to grow, so did Central Station. The 1920s and 1930s saw significant expansions, including more platforms and tracks to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. The electrification of the Sydney suburban rail network, which began in the late 1920s, further enhanced the station's efficiency. The 1960s and 1970s saw the introduction of an underground concourse and more streamlined connections between different modes of transport. 

Sydney's Central Station 1923

Recent Developments (1990s-2010s)

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, significant modern upgrades were introduced, including improved accessibility for people with disabilities, and the introduction of electronic ticketing systems. The construction of the Airport Link in the 1990s provided a direct rail connection to Sydney Airport, which revolutionised Sydney-siders’ commutes to the airport. 

The early 2000s saw the refurbishment of heritage-listed parts of the station and the expansion of retail and dining options within the concourse. These improvements aimed to enhance the passenger experience and accommodate the growing number of daily commuters.

Current and Future Works (2020s and Beyond)

Today, Central Station is undergoing a major transformation as part of the broader Sydney Metro project. The Central Precinct Renewal Program’s vision is to renew the 24 hectares of land in and around Sydney’s Central Station into an exciting place for business and the community.

Sydney's Central Station 1960

This ambitious initiative includes the construction of new underground platforms for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line, which will significantly increase the station's capacity and reduce congestion. The project also involves upgrading existing infrastructure, such as refurbishing platforms and improving pedestrian flow within the station.

One of the most significant planned developments is the Central Walk, an underground concourse that will provide a direct link between the suburban platforms and the new metro platforms. Scheduled for completion in the mid-2020s, Central Walk aims to streamline the transfer process for passengers and enhance connectivity within the station. Future plans for Central Station also include the potential development of over-station buildings, incorporating commercial, retail, and residential spaces. 

You can find more information on the Central Precinct Renewal Program online