Projects | Sydney Metro Central Station, Australia

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Sydney’s Metro Central Station project, a global award winning development, has revitalised Australia’s busiest rail interchange, creating a fully integrated world-class transport hub that revolutionises the passenger experience.

As part of Sydney Metro – Australia’s largest urban rail infrastructure investment spanning 113 km of new rail lines, and 46 stations – Central Station demanded construction within a live operational environment, adhering to an ambitious timeline without disrupting existing operations or the station’s 270,000 daily commuters. To achieve this required a bold reimagining of conventional construction methods.

Aurecon, as part of the Aurecon GHD Joint Venture (AGJV) with Laing O’Rourke, provided  structural and civil engineering, tunnelling, building services, rail and mass transit expertise and pedestrian modelling.

Aurecon’s design overcame significant challenges of the brownfield site. The team reconnected historic divisions in the city and introduced seamless, intuitive navigation, improving accessibility and safety and delivering lasting impact for millions of users, the environment, and the professionals who made the project a reality – setting a new precedent for rapid and safe urban construction in constrained environments.

This video showcases the key upgrades to Sydney Metro Central Station, making it easier for customers to connect between light rail, suburban and inter-city trains, the new Sydney Metro and buses.

The project comprised four key elements:

Metro Box: excavation and construction of a new 200 metre long, 27 metre deep metro box for the underground Sydney Metro platforms at Central, beneath platforms 13, 14 and 15.
Central Walk: a new 80 metre long, 19 metre wide underground concourse from a new entrance on Chalmers Street, with escalators directly to eight fully operational suburban platforms (for the first time in the station’s history), located two metres below the tracks of the platforms operating 20 hours/day, 365 days/year.
Northern Concourse: upgraded with transformed pedestrian connections, including a new feature canopy roof 40 metres wide, 80 metres long, and 16 metres high, which emphasises the historic features of the Central Electric Building and sits over one of the most highly used commuter pathways within Australia’s busiest railway station.
Devonshire Street Tunnel: upgrades to this essential public thoroughfare included the unique underpinning design, which allowed the existing pedestrianised Devonshire Street Tunnel to remain open to pedestrians during construction of the Metro Box.

Location

Gadigal Country
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Client

Laing O'Rourke; Sydney Metro

Partners

GHD, Atkins

Aurecon's Role

Detailed design for all civil, structural and building components of the new and upgraded rail infrastructure, pedestrian modelling, stakeholder engagement

Expertise

Rail & Mass Transit, Building Design, Digital Engineering & Advisory, Engagement & Change Advisory, Tunnels

Complete

2024

Key features

Redefining rail construction beneath Sydney’s busiest station

Central Station Metro, the heart of Sydney’s rail network and a hub for nearly all Sydney Trains services, required meticulous construction within and under the existing Central Station in Sydney’s CBD, in a heritage-listed, fully operational environment, with just one pedestrian thoroughfare between the city’s east and west (Devonshire Tunnel).

With over a quarter of a million passengers passing through daily, the project had to meet tight deadlines while ensuring seamless continuity of service and minimal disruption to the existing rail operations and customers.

AGJV pioneered an approach that overcame these challenges and simultaneously redefined urban construction in constrained, live environments.

The North-South concourse will provide customers direct access to the metro platforms 27-metres below the surface. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

The central component of the works was the construction of a 200 metre long, 27 metre deep Metro Box slotted between operational intercity platforms on one side and suburban platforms on the other. Meeting the ambitious project timeline required rethinking conventional methods. Traditionally, a bottom-up fitout construction approach would be used, requiring the completion of excavation and tunnelling before constructing permanent structures above.

However, tunnel construction below was ongoing, and no permanent structures could be founded at that level. AGJV instead adopted a unique top-down construction method, where the top level was constructed first and then used as a working platform to support logistics for the deep excavation beneath, enabling simultaneous work on the permanent Metro Box and tunnels below.

The innovation’s success relied on raking columns, which provided structural stability without imposing on tunnels being bored underneath. These inclined supports, anchored into the surrounding rock, allowed the upper levels to be built and supported independently of tunnelling operations below.

Temporary vertical plunge columns provided initial support, with loads progressively transferred to the raking columns via a sophisticated hydraulic jacking system. This system accommodated excavation-induced rock movements, ensuring stability, safety, and adherence to the tight schedule. By suspending structures from above, the method also reduced material quantities, achieving significant carbon reductions.

Early and enabling works for Central Station Metro started in March 2018. Central Walk and the new escalators from Platforms 12 to 23 opened in late 2022, with the new metro platforms becoming operational when the Sydney Metro City & Southwest services began in August 2024. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Escalators at Sydney Metro Central Station Central Walk, directly to suburban platforms 16 to 23 – for the first time in the station’s history – located 2 metres below the tracks of platforms operating 20 hours/day, 365 days/year. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Sydney Metro Central Station Central Walk is a new 80 metre long, 19 metre wide underground concourse from a new entrance on Chalmers Street. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Sydney Metro Central Station’s new escalators in from Platforms 12 to 23. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Sydney Central Station redevelopment sets new standards for rapid, safe construction in constrained urban environments. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

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Early and enabling works for Central Station Metro started in March 2018. Central Walk and the new escalators from Platforms 12 to 23 opened in late 2022, with the new metro platforms becoming operational when the Sydney Metro City & Southwest services began in August 2024. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Human-centric solution balances public convenience with project demands

An unconventional approach was similarly adopted in navigating the 120-year-old Devonshire Street Tunnel, traversing the Metro Box structure. This tunnel serves as a major pedestrian artery, and critical Sydney Water assets are located directly below the tunnel floor. Aurecon’s human-centric thinking led to a strategy which enabled the tunnel to remain open to commuters during construction.

Game changing digital tools were paramount for a coordinated design. BIM360, ProjectWise, and BimTrack were used to manage clash detection and ensure cross-disciplinary collaboration. Weekly 3D Navisworks models were consolidated and uploaded to BIM360, accessible anytime to enable real-time clash detection during regular design meetings. Prioritising detailed coordination during the design phase significantly de-risked construction, minimising requests for clarification from site and, ultimately, setting a new standard for client experience.

Central Walk was completed beneath eight fully operational suburban platforms and live tracks. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Historic Central Walk: engineering beneath the beating heart of Sydney’s rail network

Central Station’s landmark new underground concourse, Central Walk, was highly complex, completed beneath eight fully operational suburban platforms and live tracks.

To support these live tracks, a temporary track slab was used to form bridging structures, allowing for construction of the permanent works without interrupting the rail operations above ground. The team accomplished this engineering feat at Australia’s busiest railway station safely and with no impact to train operations.

Central Walk was completed beneath eight fully operational suburban platforms and live tracks. Image courtesy of Sydney Metro.

Sustainability and passenger-centric solutions

The team committed to sustainability at every level of the design, and the outcomes of the innovations were measurable and transformative. Designed for a 120-year lifespan, Aurecon’s design reduced embodied and operational carbon while incorporating climate adaptation and circular economy principles.

Innovative engineering contributed to achieving a 6-Star Green Star Design Review rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. The project exceeded sustainability targets, achieving the highest performance level possible with an ‘As Built – Leading’ rating from Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC).

Other key sustainability outcomes include:

Reduced materials by 38 per cent and concrete volumes by 40 per cent, contributing to a 21 per cent overall reduction in carbon footprint. Reductions were achieved through innovations including the diagonal load-bearing columns and top-down construction method and design of lightweight steel interior structures, which further reduced carbon emissions.

Achieved 37 per cent energy reduction and substitution of energy sources to renewable sources by 13 per cent compared to the ISC base case, through efficiencies including natural ventilation, free cooling systems designed to operate only when required, and cutting service ducting by 200 metres. Strategic LED lighting design with natural light and solar panels, use of B5 Biodiesel, 25 per cent carbon offset of electricity, variable speed drive HVAC, regenerative breaking elevators, and solar power which generates 366.33 MWh/year, further contributed to energy reductions.

100-year lifecycle water consumption outcomes include consumption reduction of 20 per cent and potable water substitution of 90 per cent. Contributing to these outcomes were WELS star rated bathrooms with taps above standard, and use of misting / fogging machine dust suppression techniques. Substituting potable water was also key, including using rainwater for site compound ablutions and washdowns during construction, and using rainwater harvested from the Northern Canopy in bathrooms and for washdown throughout the station during operation.

Aurecon’s Climate Adaptation Plan achieved a 123 per cent cumulative saving across 13 Life Cycle Environmental indicators (e.g. climate change and ozone layer depletion). Existing structures, including Devonshire Street Tunnel and heritage canopies, were retained to extend their design life and reduce waste.

The Northern Concourse steel canopy was engineered for future modifications, ensuring adaptability and longevity. Design for manufacture, assembly, and disassembly through digital design, sequencing and modularity minimised waste and maximised efficiency.

A three-span solution with inclined columns replaced the Metro Box reference design, reducing structure depth and allowing natural light to filter through glass floor tiles to the Metro level. This reduced energy use during daylight hours and improved sight lines for enhanced safety.

Pedestrian modelling: designing improved customer journeys

As part of the transformation of  Sydney’s Central Station, Aurecon undertook comprehensive pedestrian modelling. Central Station is the busiest train station in Australia, therefore pedestrian modelling for the Sydney Metro upgrades represented one of the biggest such projects undertaken by Aurecon. It commenced with the tender of the Central Station upgrade 2017 and was completed in 2019.

The project scope was to define how Central Station upgrades will factor in customer use of the space, and to devise strategies to ensure the station is functional and enjoyable to use. The team considered many elements of customer experience, from simple visuals – such as signage and other communications – through to structural elements including fare gates, stairways, and seating.

As part of the planning process, Aurecon stress-tested the peak customer transport period and how this impacted the design and construction requirements.

Sydney Central Station tapped Aurecon to work on its comprehensive pedestrian modelling.

Aurecon’s pedestrian modelling ensured Central Station, the busiest train station in Australia – is functional, safe and enjoyable for customers.

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Sydney Central Station tapped Aurecon to work on its comprehensive pedestrian modelling.

To establish customer movement patterns, Aurecon modelled what pedestrian traffic will look like in Central Station in 2026, and 2056. This involved:

Dynamic analysis to understand pedestrian volume and movement patterns
Visual representation of how the station’s pedestrian facilities will perform
Identification of ‘pinch points’ such as pedestrian bottlenecks
Mapping key design factors such as staircases, corridors, and lifts

Aurecon employed modelling software to consider multiple design factors side by side, including representation of various customer groups who use the station, and their different needs. The plan assessed risks to customer movement during and after the construction phases and outlined operational responses to worst-case scenarios.

Stakeholder engagement was critical to the development of the pedestrian modelling plan. Project stakeholders included: Sydney Metro, Transport for New South Wales, Sydney Trains, and the City of Sydney.

Leading digital approach

Much of Central Station infrastructure dates back to 1906, with predecessor stations built at the site in 1855 and 1874. This project represents the largest upgrade to the site in decades. It is also one of the first infrastructure projects delivered on such a scale in Australia to be fully digitised in terms of 3D modelling. Elements of the digital delivery included:

3D laser scanning and comprehensive data/asset management
Creation of 3D models for design, construction planning and stakeholder engagement
Automation of processes, including clash detection and model management

Central Walk at Sydney Metro Central Station: a 80 m long, 19 m wide underground concourse with escalators directly to eight fully operational suburban platforms. Image courtesy of Laing O'Rourke.

Transforming a city

Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project, transforming Sydney, and delivering more trains and faster services across the network. The impact of the project is far-reaching, improving connectivity, reducing congestion, enhancing the transportation experience, and contributing to a more efficient and sustainable public transport system.

Aurecon is proud of our extensive role in delivering this once-in-a-lifetime, billion-dollar city-shaping system.

Discover Aurecon's Sydney Metro Portfolio

Central Walk at Sydney Metro Central Station: a 80 m long, 19 m wide underground concourse with escalators directly to eight fully operational suburban platforms. Image courtesy of Laing O'Rourke.

Award-winning

The project has won the following awards:

Overall Supreme Award Winner: The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Structural Awards 2025 – Structural Engineering Excellence
Winner: The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Structural Awards 2025 – Infrastructure Category

Winner: Consult Australia Awards for Excellence 2024-25 – Innovation for Excellence (with GHD)
Winner: Concrete Institute of Australia Awards for Excellence in Concrete 2023 NSW and National Chapter – Infrastructure Projects (with Laing O’Rourke and GHD)
Winner: Engineers Australia Excellence Awards 2023 Sydney Division – Project of the Year (with Laing O’Rourke and GHD)
Winner: Permanent Way Institution (PWI) New South Wales (NSW) Awards 2022 – Design Award (with design fees >$1 million) (with GHD)

Redefining rail construction beneath Sydney’s busiest station

Human-centric solution balances public convenience with project demands

Historic Central Walk: engineering beneath the beating heart of Sydney’s rail network

Sustainability and passenger-centric solutions

Material and embodied carbon reduction

Energy reduction

Water consumption reduction

Climate adaptation and extended design life

Designed for disassembly

Enhanced safety for commuters

Pedestrian modelling: designing improved customer journeys

Leading digital approach

Transforming a city

Award-winning

TAGS

We would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life, so get in touch and we'll get back to you.

Redefining rail construction beneath Sydney’s busiest station

Human-centric solution balances public convenience with project demands

Historic Central Walk: engineering beneath the beating heart of Sydney’s rail network

Sustainability and passenger-centric solutions

Material and embodied carbon reduction

Energy reduction

Water consumption reduction

Climate adaptation and extended design life

Designed for disassembly

Enhanced safety for commuters

Pedestrian modelling: designing improved customer journeys

Leading digital approach

Transforming a city

Award-winning

TAGS

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We would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life, so get in touch and we'll get back to you.