Being part of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line will have a significant impact for people who work, live, study, shop or need to access the important healthcare services located in the area.
Not only would a station improve commuter travel times and increase capacity on the existing network but it will also make a positive contribution to the State’s economy by improving access to education, housing, recreation, events and employment opportunities.
A station that services the University of Sydney would benefit people working in the surrounding education and healthcare sectors and improve access for the 53 per cent of the 59,600 staff and students that travel to the University using public transport.
The University is a destination not only for its students and staff but also for visitors such as tourists, school students, and sporting groups.
The University and nearby Victoria Park are home to a number of annual events such as Vivid Sydney Festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Fair Day and the Yabun Festival. Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness has more than 600,000 visitors per annum to its facilities and sporting events such as the rugby union and basketball games held on campus. A Metro station would assist thousands of people to gain access to these attractions.
More than 5,000 people are employed by major retail offerings from the Broadway Shopping Centre to the dining and shopping precincts of Glebe Point Road and Newtown’s bustling King Street. The local health care services employ more than 4,000 people in the catchment area. A station improving access for workers, clients and customers will have major benefits for the economy and will help to future proof the precinct as it continues to grow.
The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital sees over 73,000 admissions per year and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days of the year. The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse attended to 11,200 patients in its first year of operation and the George Institute treats many clients through their important research programs. A metro station would provide better access to high quality healthcare services for people right across NSW and provide a convenient way for the many family and friends to visit patients during their hospital stay.
Importantly, a Metro station would also help to relieve pressure and congestion on Redfern station, one of Sydney’s busiest rail stations, which currently does not provide access for people with a disability or for parents with prams. It would also assist in improving the amenity of the area for neighbours of the University of Sydney by reducing the pedestrian traffic that currently make their way between Redfern station and the University every day on local streets.
The University is currently undertaking a preliminary economic analysis of the benefits of a station within the Broadway and Camperdown precinct to provide the NSW government with an evidence based case for them to consider in their deliberations.
A metro station at the University will bring great opportunities not only for our students who have come to gain an education but also for the people living in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Darlington, Chippendale, Glebe, Newtown and Forest Lodge. We look forward to working with the community to progress this exciting possibility.
