Client
Transport for NSW
Sector
Rail Infrastructure
Location
Unanderra
Dharawal
State
NSW
Unanderra Station Upgrade
The Unanderra Station Upgrade, delivered as part of Transport for NSW’s Transport Access Program, transformed the station into a safer, more accessible and better-connected transport hub for the local community. The upgrade improved access, passenger facilities, safety and connectivity while creating a station precinct that reflects its surrounding landscape and cultural heritage.
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, with initiatives including lower-carbon concrete, recycled materials, reduced steel use and the reuse of existing infrastructure components. An innovative solar PV and battery system was also introduced to power temporary site facilities during construction, contributing to the project’s Infrastructure Sustainability Council Leading Design Rating.
Community Connections
The project delivered benefits beyond the station upgrade through community engagement initiatives, rail safety education, disability inclusion programs, local partnerships and employment opportunities. These initiatives helped strengthen connections between the project and the local community throughout delivery.
Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements for creating a more productive and healthier built environment.
Innovations and sustainable design solutions include an Australian first using solar power to power site sheds
Accessibility and Customer Experience
The upgraded station provides improved accessibility through three new lifts, a new footbridge and enhanced pedestrian connections linking both sides of Berkeley Road with the station platform. Upgraded pathways, parking, kiss-and-ride facilities and station amenities have improved the customer experience for passengers and the wider community.
Designing with Country
Developed in consultation with Traditional Custodians, Knowledge Holders and local Aboriginal organisations, the project incorporated Aboriginal interpretation throughout the precinct. Landscape, public realm and urban design elements draw on local stories, cultural connections and the surrounding Dharawal landscape to create a stronger sense of place.
Patterns and designs taken from the original Aboriginal inspired artwork from Auntie Elaine transforms the landscaping using sandblasting and colouring the concrete for the pathways to and from the station.
Scope of works
- a new footbridge and stairs with canopies
- three new lifts providing accessible cross corridor and platform access
- new kiss and ride zones, accessible parking spaces and bus zones on Berkeley Road (east and west) including seating and improved access paths
- upgraded station entrances with new pavements, pathways and landscaping
- platform modifications, including new boarding assistance zones
- updated station building with new family accessible toilet and ambulant toilet
- upgraded power services and communications room
- additional station lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV)
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.
History
Unanderra Station was opened in November 1887
Originally it was a private coal rail link from Mount Kembla to Port Kembla
The government took over the line from Unanderra to Port Kembla in 1912
The passenger service on this line began in 1919
The original Unanderra Station was a single-platform station complete with a single platform building and stationmaster residence.
The rail line through Unanderra was electrified in 1993
