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Central Station's Chalmers Street entrance opens after fire, major upgrade

Six months after a devastating fire, Central Station's Chalmers Street entrance has opened to the public for the first time, revealing extensive upgrades.

The Chalmers Street entrance, equipped with two new lifts and six escalators, marks the completion of all major Sydney Metro upgrade works at Central Station.

Six months ago, a fire broke out in a neighbouring building on Randle Street in Surry Hills. The intense inferno was just six metres away from Central Station, with Rail Fire & Emergency personnel swiftly responding within three minutes to support Fire & Rescue NSW crews.

The Chalmers Street entrance suffered extensive structural and water damage due to the blaze and intense firefighting efforts.

Rectification works included the installation of a new roof, re-tiling of stairs, and replacement of windows. The newly installed lifts and escalators were flooded during the firefighting, requiring replacements for mechanical and electrical services.

The reopening of the Chalmers Street entrance required a collaborative effort involving firefighters, clean-up crews, Sydney Metro, and contractors Laing O’Rourke.

Central Station's upgrades include:

  • New entrance at Chalmers Street: Providing direct access from the east and facilitating easy interchange with CBD and South-East Light Rail services.
  • Central Walk: An underground pedestrian concourse connecting all areas of the station.
  • Accessibility upgrades: Featuring 14 new lifts and 42 escalators to enhance station accessibility.
  • A revitalised Northern Concourse: Transformed pedestrian thoroughfares and a stunning new roof canopy.
  • Brand-new North-South Concourse: Set to provide access to metro platforms and services every four minutes during peak hours in 2024.

With the impending launch of metro services in 2024, Central Station metro platforms aim to accommodate 21,350 commuters during the morning peak, relieving pressure on other transport modes. The metro will significantly reduce travel times, with journeys from Central to Chatswood in 15 minutes, North Sydney in 9 minutes, and Sydenham in 7 minutes.

Central Station’s makeover will help more than 67,500 people flow through this station and change between Metro, rail, bus, light rail, and intercity services.

For more information on Central Station's upgrades, visit sydneymetro.info/station/central-station.