Sydney CBD & South East Light Rail Prototype Stop Unveiled

The New South Wales Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, unveiled a prototype for the Grimshaw designed Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) stops, in Moore Park Sydney.

Minister Constance engaged Grimshaw Architects for the design, who said their concept "embraces principles of modern, elegant and sustainable design, reinforcing the CSELR’s role as a stimulus for efficient inter-modal public transport and as a place making driver".

“The stops design prioritises passenger experience, functionality and enduring materiality,” Grimshaw Architects Managing Partner Andrew Cortese said.

“They are intended to complement the urban contexts, heritage circumstances, and landscapes of their individual locales.”

Using a distinctive design language, Grimshaw has created a ‘Kit of Parts’ for the line wide component system - a family of elements that includes canopies, integrated services, cabinets, totems and furniture.

The ‘Kit of Parts’ design methodology integrates CCTV & PA systems, smart card (Opal) technology, communications, signalling and customer information as well as strategies for locating and selecting equipment, lighting, materials and finishes. This integrated system will establish a unique identity for Sydney while offering climatic amenity and legible wayfinding.

Bronze was selected as the primary cladding material for the stops canopies. An alloy of copper and tin, bronze is a noble material that has historic significance across the CBD, dating from the colonial era.

“The use of bronze recalls it’s use on other iconic Sydney buildings, including the Opera House, Myer and Gowing’s façades," Mr Cortese said.

"The patina of these elegant canopies will improve with age as the bronze oxidises and responds to the unique environments they are placed within,” said Andrew Cortese.

When first installed in the stops the bronze will have a “bright penny” appearance then transforming with a rich timeless patina, rapid at first then slowing to an imperceptible rate after several years’ exposure.

The patina will be influenced by the type and nature of atmospheric conditions and exposure; the harbour side stop of Circular Quay will be assailed by sea salt and pollution, accelerating the Verdigris; by contrast the weathering of the patina will be slower at stops along the parkland settings of Randwick.

Minister Constance said the final designs would transform Sydney’s streetscapes.

“We can see today that along with our vehicles, when light rail is operational in 2019, Sydney will be a world class leader when it comes to public transport," he said.

The CSELR will connect Sydney’s CBD with Chinatown, Moore Park sporting precinct, Royal Randwick Racecourse and the south east residential areas of Randwick and Kensington with reliable, turn-up and go public transport.