NSW Government Unveils Completion of Sydney Metro’s First City Line Station in Waterloo
The state government has unveiled the newly completed Waterloo Metro station, the initial stop on the City and Southwest metro line. Anticipated to cater to nearly 19,000 passengers upon its opening later this year, the station will offer swift commutes, with journeys to Central station taking only two minutes and to Barangaroo in eight minutes.
Premier Chris Minns hailed this achievement as a significant milestone for the Sydney Metro project, emphasizing the station's modernity and its ability to reduce travel times for residents and workers in Waterloo, enhancing connectivity across the city.
This station, representing the first of six new city metro stations to reach completion, boasts a design that pays tribute to Aboriginal heritage and Waterloo's historical significance, as highlighted by Transport Minister Jo Haylen.
Situated within the Waterloo Metro Quarter, which encompasses three towers and two mid-rise buildings, the development will not only house the metro station but also incorporate private and social housing, retail spaces, and public areas. The precinct's housing component includes 70 social homes within a nine-story tower, forming part of the substantial social housing renewal initiative at the Waterloo Estate.
While the metro network's construction has encountered challenges, including significant budget overruns and delays, progress continues on the City and Southwest Metro project. Despite obstacles faced during the conversion of the existing T3 heavy rail line to Bankstown, the first section of the line from Chatswood to Sydenham remains on schedule for opening this year.
Delays have been attributed to various factors such as industrial actions, adverse weather conditions, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state parliamentary inquiry recommended reconsidering the Bankstown Line conversion due to cost concerns and potential disruptions to local communities. Despite the escalating costs, the Labour government reaffirmed its commitment to the Sydenham-Bankstown conversion in August 2023, with plans to temporarily shut down the existing line for 12 months during the upgrade process.
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