Delivering new multi-modal transport interchange for the city of Newcastle

Aurecon demonstrates our expertise in managing multiple stakeholders to design and deliver a new multi-modal transport interchange for the city of Newcastle.

Newcastle Interchange is now the final stop for customers travelling to Newcastle by train and provides a seamless link to buses, taxis and the Newcastle Light Rail, which opened on February 18, 2019.

The project involved the truncation of the Newcastle heavy rail line, and the design and construction of a new station and public transport hub, opening up the foreshore and revitalising the urban environment.

Heavy rail had cut the city in half. Locating the new interchange at Wickham, the gateway to the city centre, has since triggered development and economic growth in what has been identified as the city’s future CBD.

Working closely with key stakeholders including the New South Wales Government and Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, Aurecon was able to support sustainability and liveability outcomes by ensuring the various modes of transport were fully integrated to enhance the customers experience and improve access to the city.

Newcastle’s new interchange is now a key hub in the transport system that integrates and gives passengers connectivity with the new light rail, buses and ferries.

Work on the interchange started in 2014 and was delivered as part of a $200 million project, including:

• truncation of the former heavy rail line
• removal of a level crossing
• development of a new train stabling facility and noise wall
• signalling and trackwork
• a new pedestrian footbridge over the rail corridor at Railway Street

Key features of the interchange include:

• accessibility, with easy transfers between transport modes
• undercover bicycle storage for 24 bicycles
• two wide electronic ticket gates for pram, wheelchair and bicycle access
• new customer toilets
• weather protection canopies on platforms, the concourse and on Station Street
• food and beverage outlets
• kiss and ride bay on Station Street
• pedestrian footbridge fitted with lifts on Railway Street Wickham providing safe access over the rail corridor

Design and delivery of the project as part of the $650 million Revitalising Newcastle program (a multi-agency NSW Government program), required a high level of expertise in managing stakeholder relationships and objectives while minimising disruption to services and customers.