Wynyard railway station, Sydney

History

The station opened on 28 February 1932. Wynyard was originally constructed with six platforms (the existing four platforms are still numbered from 3 to 6), with platforms 1-4 located on the upper level and platforms 5 and 6 on the lower level. The original intention was that Platforms 1 and 2, located adjacent to platforms 3 and 4, would eventually serve the eastern pair of railway tracks across the Harbour Bridge. In the interim, they were used as a terminus for North Shore tram services on Sydney's tram network, a service that operated over those tracks from the bridge's opening in 1932 until 1958. A feature of these lines was Australia's only underground tram terminus.

After tram services were withdrawn, platforms 1 and 2 were walled off from 3 and 4, and the space converted into an underground car park, which continues to function as such to this day. The eastern tram tracks on the bridge were replaced by two extra road lanes as part of the Cahill Expressway. The disused tunnel and ramp that formerly connected the station to the eastern tram tracks can still be seen, mirroring those still in use to the west of the bridge. On 22 January 1956, the lines from platforms 5 and 6 were extended to Circular Quay as part of the City Circle.

Station configuration

Wynyard station currently has two levels, each with two platforms. The upper level serves the North Shore line, whilst the lower level serves lines traversing the City Circle. Both lines run south under York Street from Wynyard to Town Hall. There is no connection between the rails of these two lines at Wynyard.

The passenger concourse is on an intermediate level between the upper and lower platforms. Wynyard is connected via underground passageways to several surrounding buildings and shopping arcades and is located immediately below Wynyard Park. Direct access via tunnels is possible to George, Hunter and Pitt Streets. Wooden escalators dating from the station's opening connect the station concourse with York Street (emerging underneath Transport House) and Carrington Street (under Wynyard Park).

Refurbishment

Commencing in 2015 the platforms and concourse were thoroughly refurbished with new flooring and ceilings as well as an extra stairway to platforms 3 & 4 and the addition of more ticket barriers. The refurbishment is due to be complete in 2017.

Wynyard Walk

The Wynyard Walk is a 180-metre-long (590 ft) pedestrian link and tunnel between Wynyard station and Barangaroo that opened in September 2016, with a Clarence Street entrance that opened in December 2016. Based on a design by architecture firm Woods Bagot, the project combined a new entrance, a pedestrian tunnel, a pedestrian bridge, and a new pedestrian plaza. Wynyard Walk provides direct access via tunnels to Clarence, Kent, and Sussex Streets. Wynyard Walk features a huge video screen showcasing digital art.

Transport links

Wynyard station is served by bus routes operated by Forest Coach Lines, Hillsbus, Sydney Buses and Transdev NSW.