Client

Transport for NSW

Sector

Rail Infrastructure

Location

Bellambi
Dharawal

State

NSW

Bellambi Station Upgrade

Delivered as part of Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program, the Bellambi Station Upgrade improved accessibility, customer facilities and station functionality while maintaining operations within a live rail environment. 

The project also incorporated Indigenous design elements that celebrate the cultural heritage of the Wodi Wodi and Dharawal peoples.

Improving Accessibility and Customer Experience
The upgrade delivered new compliant access paths, accessible parking, a redesigned station entry ramp and a new station building with modern customer amenities. Platform resurfacing, updated signage and electrical upgrades further improved safety, functionality and accessibility for all station users.
The stingray features prominently across the new station building façade and reflects its significance to the local Aboriginal community. Together, these design elements create a distinctive station identity that connects commuters and visitors with the history, culture and stories of Country.
Strengthening Community Connections
Bellambi Station provides an important transport link for the local community. The upgrade improved connections through the station precinct while maintaining access via Bellambi Lane and the existing signalised level crossing, creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all users.
Engaging with the Local Community
The project prioritised community engagement throughout delivery. Working with Bellambi Public School and the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, the team supported local initiatives including rail safety presentations and community activities during NAIDOC Week.
These partnerships helped strengthen connections with the local community while promoting rail safety awareness and celebrating local culture alongside the station upgrade.
Bellambi Station UPgrade
Delivering in a Live Operational Environment
The works were completed within a live rail environment, requiring extensive planning and coordination with station staff to maintain safe station operations. To facilitate construction, the existing station building was demolished and temporary customer facilities were established, allowing commuters to continue using the station throughout the upgrade.
Most platform works were undertaken behind barriers, maintaining customer access while the new station building, access paths, amenities and associated infrastructure were delivered. Through careful staging and planning, the team successfully maintained station functionality while transforming the precinct.
Celebrating Country Through Design
Degnan worked closely with DesignInc, the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation and artists Lorraine Brown and Narelle Thomas to incorporate ocean-inspired themes into the station’s architectural design.
As a display of respect for the Wodi Wodi and Dharawal peoples, culturally significant symbols including the stingray and wobbegong shark were integrated throughout the station environment. Perforated metal screens along the access ramp feature these designs, while the stingray is also reflected in the façade of the new station building.
These elements draw inspiration from Bellambi Point, a place of deep significance to the local community that is recognised as an Aboriginal Place, creating a strong connection between the station, local culture and Country.
Scope of Work
  • New station building with modern customer amenities
  • Temporary station facilities to maintain customer access during construction
  • Demolition of the existing station building
  • New compliant access paths
  • Redesigned station entry ramp
  • Accessible parking facilities
  • Platform resurfacing and accessibility upgrades
  • Updated wayfinding signage
  • Electrical system upgrades
  • Bus shelter and bicycle parking improvements
  • Indigenous design elements
Banksia Foundation logo
Degnan’s Illawarra Station Upgrades:
Finalist in the 2024 Banksia Foundation awards for Placemaking. 
Our goal was to produce station upgrades that prioritise user experience and accessibility, using a holistic approach that embraces urban design principles and celebrates natural elements.
Sustainability policy
Procurement policy
BELLAMBI STATION UPGRADE PROJECT DATA
  • Trains operated in the Bellambi area well before a station was built. Several short horse and steam powered tramways were built in this area to carry goods from local mines/collieries to the seaside to be loaded onto boats at Bellambi Point.
  • One of these lines was built in 1861 by Taylor and Walker to carry coal between their South Bulli mine and a jetty at Bellambi Point (henceforth referred to as the South Bulli line). It was originally a horse tramway, but was later closed then reopened as a steam railway.
  • In 1887, the South Coast line opened between Clifton and Wollongong and crossed the South Bulli line. The crossing point became known as Bellambi.
    It is unknown exactly when the station at Bellambi opened, but it first appeared in the timetable on 1st January 1889. At this point, it was a single platform located just south of the crossing between the two lines.
  • On 17th January 1902, a triangular connection was built between the two lines, allowing trains from the South Bulli line to access the South Coast line and Wollongong Harbour.
  • On 25th September 1913 the line was doubled north of Bellambi, converting the side platform to an island platform,  to allow for the increasing traffic on the line.
  • The line to the south was doubled in 27th May 1923.