Client
Transport for NSW
Sector
Rail Infrastructure
Location
Como
Dharawal Country
State
NSW
Como Station Upgrade
Delivered as part of Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program, the award-winning Como Station Upgrade improved accessibility, modernised station facilities and enhanced the customer experience while creating a station that responds to its natural environment and local heritage.
The project received both the NSW and National Banksia Foundation Clean Technology Sustainability Award in 2021 for its innovative and sustainable design outcomes.
Improving Accessibility and Customer Experience
The upgrade transformed Como Station into a modern and accessible transport facility. Works included two new lifts connecting the station platforms to adjacent streets via an upgraded underpass, DDA-compliant ramps, new stairs, platform resurfacing and upgraded customer amenities including a family-accessible bathroom.
Electrical and communications systems were also upgraded, including lighting, CCTV, hearing loops, public announcement systems and ticketing infrastructure improvements.
Sustainability and Innovation
The project introduced a Solar Photovoltaic Glass canopy system that allows natural light into the underpass while generating renewable energy for the station. The innovative solution reduced reliance on artificial lighting, improved safety outcomes and contributed to Transport for NSW’s sustainability objectives. The photovoltaic canopy was the first application of solar glass as a building product and architectural element on the Sydney Trains network.
The project achieved an Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) V1.2 As Built Leading Rating of 86.6 points, recognising its industry-leading sustainability outcomes.
Award-Winning Outcomes
The innovation and sustainability initiatives delivered at Como Station received industry-wide recognition, earning both the NSW and National Banksia Foundation Clean Technology Sustainability Award in 2021. The project was also recognised by Transport for NSW with the Successful Places Award in 2022.
These achievements reflect the project’s successful integration of accessibility, sustainability, community outcomes and design innovation, creating a station that delivers long-term value for customers and the local community.
Designing with Place and Community in Mind
The station design was shaped by the surrounding landscape and biodiversity, with locally sourced sandstone incorporated throughout the project. We worked closely with the community and Traditional Custodians to create a station that reflects the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Working with the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation and Indigenous artist Merindah Funnell, a mural celebrating local flora, mangroves and sandstone landscapes was incorporated into the station underpass, creating a stronger connection between the station, community and Country.
Community Connections
The project was delivered with the community, not simply for the community. Degnan partnered with the St George Sutherland Community College (SCSCC) throughout design and construction, consulting on accessibility requirements and incorporating community-led ideas into the final design, including larger and more accessible lift buttons.
Community initiatives included woodworking workshops that delivered planter boxes for the station and the “Little Italy” pop-up construction café, creating opportunities for participation and connection throughout project delivery.
“Degnan shows excellent innovation that can be replicated and scaled, clearly meeting the innovation goals across transport infrastructure, renewable energy and sustainability. Their work shows a whole new way of thinking for network planning” Banksia Foundation
Scope of Work
- Two new passenger lifts
- Upgraded underpass connecting the station and surrounding streets
- DDA-compliant ramps
- New station access stairs
- Platform resurfacing and tactile upgrades
- Station building upgrades
- Family-accessible bathroom and customer amenity improvements
- Lighting upgrades
- CCTV & Public announcement upgrades
- Hearing loop installation
- Ticketing system modifications
- Sydney Trains high-voltage network upgrades
- Solar photovoltaic glass canopy
- Landscaping integrated with surrounding bushland
- Indigenous artwork and cultural design elements throughout the station precinct
History
The first Como station opened on 26 December 1885
When the original iron lattice girder bridge over the Georges River was replaced, a new station was built about 1km to the south this opened in November 1972
The old bridge was re-furbished & re-opened on 15 December 1985 as a dual-use cyclist/pedestrian path linking Oatley & Como
