Newcastle Interchange railway station: Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
Fleet Lists (talk | contribs) m →Services: Change to past tense |
redirect per consensus at Talk:Newcastle Interchange railway station#Proposed merge and split |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
#REDIRECT [[Newcastle Interchange]] |
|||
{{merge|Newcastle Interchange|discuss=Talk:Newcastle Interchange railway station#Proposed merge and split|date=May 2017}} |
|||
{{split|Wickham railway station|discuss=Talk:Newcastle Interchange railway station#Proposed merge and split|date=May 2017}} |
|||
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2017}} |
|||
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}} |
|||
<!-- {{redirect|Wickham railway station|the former railway station in Hampshire, England|Wickham (Hants) railway station}} --> |
|||
{{Infobox station |
|||
| name = Newcastle Interchange |
|||
| style = NSW TrainLink intercity |
|||
| image = [[File:Newcastle Interchange, Station Street view, May 2016 (2).jpg|300px]] |
|||
| caption = View of the station from Station Street, May 2017 |
|||
| address = Cnr Beresford St and Stewart Ave, [[Wickham, New South Wales|Wickham]], [[New South Wales]] |
|||
| country = [[Australia]] |
|||
| coordinates = {{coord|-32.924217|151.759459|region:AU-NSW_type:railwaystation|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |
|||
| owned = [[RailCorp]] |
|||
| operator = [[NSW TrainLink]] |
|||
| line = [[Newcastle railway line, New South Wales|Newcastle railway line]] |
|||
| distance = {{convert|165.93|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Central railway station, Sydney|Central]] |
|||
| platform = 3 (1 side, 2 island) |
|||
| tracks = 3 |
|||
| opened = 9 February 1936 (original)<br />Late 2017 (redevelopment) |
|||
| closed = 25 December 2014 |
|||
| rebuilt = June 2015 – 2017 |
|||
| former = Wickham (1936–2014)<br />Wickham Transport Interchange (2014–16) |
|||
| passengers = |
|||
| pass_year = |
|||
| pass_rank = |
|||
| services = |
|||
{{s-rail|title=NSW TrainLink}} |
|||
{{s-line|system=NSW TrainLink intercity|line=Central Coast & Newcastle|previous=Hamilton}} |
|||
{{s-line|system=NSW TrainLink intercity|line=Hunter|previous=Hamilton}} |
|||
| services_collapsible = yes |
|||
}} |
|||
'''Newcastle Interchange railway station''', formerly '''Wickham railway station''', is the passenger terminus of the [[Newcastle railway line, New South Wales|Newcastle railway line]], located in [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]], [[New South Wales]], Australia. Servicing the inner Newcastle suburb of [[Wickham, New South Wales|Wickham]], the station originally opened in February 1936, two months after {{rwsa|Civic}} station was opened on the same line, and after the closure and demolition of the nearby Honeysuckle station. Both stations helped address urban growth in Newcastle during the early 20th century. At the time of opening, it was the third station on the line from the original terminus at {{rwsa|Newcastle|nsw}} and following Civic, and ahead of {{rwsa|Hamilton|nsw}}. |
|||
Formerly located on the east side of Stewart Avenue, the station is currently being relocated to the avenue's west and redeveloped as part of [[Transport for New South Wales]]' [[Newcastle Interchange]] project. It follows the partial closure of the Newcastle railway line and the ceasing of NSW TrainLink services to Civic and Newcastle stations in December 2014, as part of a greater refurbishment of Newcastle's [[Newcastle, New South Wales#Transport|public transport system]] and central business district. The station is set to reopen in late 2017, as the new terminus of the Newcastle railway line and the terminus of both the [[Central Coast & Newcastle Line]] and [[Hunter Line]] services, becoming the line's third terminus in its history, after Honeysuckle and Newcastle stations. It will also house the western terminus of the [[Newcastle Light Rail]], a bus stop to be serviced by [[Newcastle Transport]], and a taxi rink. The interchange was scheduled to open in late-2016, but a legal challenge over the line's closure delayed the commencement of construction. Construction commenced in May 2016 with a scheduled late-2017 completion date. |
|||
==History== |
|||
===Background, Honeysuckle station=== |
|||
Prior to Wickham and Civic stations, Honeysuckle railway station, which was located opposite Steel Street in [[Newcastle West, New South Wales|Newcastle West]] (at {{coord|-32.926263|151.764902|region:AU-NSW_type:railwaystation|format=dms|display=inline}}),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coulin|first1=Edward|title=History of Carrington|url=https://coalriver.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/historyofcarrington-tedcoulin.pdf|website=Hunter (Living) Histories|publisher=Coal River Working Party ([[University of Newcastle (Australia)]])|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121113514/https://coalriver.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/historyofcarrington-tedcoulin.pdf|archivedate=21 November 2016|page=28|format=PDF|date=April 2014}}</ref> originally serviced areas west of the central business district. It was first built as the passenger service terminus of the Newcastle railway line, and opened as Newcastle railway station in March 1857.<ref name="tnsw-1">{{cite web|author=''Urbis'' staff|title=Wickham Transport Interchange Heritage Impact Statement|url=http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/projects/Wickham_Transport_Interchange_Heritage_Impact_Assessment_July_14.pdf|website=[[Transport for New South Wales]]|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121120536/http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/projects/Wickham_Transport_Interchange_Heritage_Impact_Assessment_July_14.pdf|archivedate=21 November 2016|page="Historical Overview" p5|format=PDF|date=July 2014}}</ref> While the new railway line was originally built with the express purpose of assisting the sea ports in the city, the original Newcastle railway station proved to be not close enough to adequately serve the ports, and thus the railway was extended further east, with a brand new [[Newcastle railway station, New South Wales|Newcastle station]] opening in March 1858 as the line's new passenger terminus, and the former Newcastle station being renamed Honeysuckle station.<ref name="tnsw-1"/> The station was later renamed Honeysuckle Point station, before it was ultimately closed in 1872 and another station, {{rwsa|Hamilton|nsw}}, was opened two kilometers down the line towards the [[Main North railway line, New South Wales|Main North railway line]] junction.<ref name="tnsw-1"/> While the station lay dormant for many years after its closure to passenger services, Honeysuckle was finally demolished in 1936, prior to the opening of Wickham and a year after the opening of {{rwsa|Civic}} station,<ref name="civic-oeh">{{cite web|author1=Office of Environment and Heritage staff|title=Civic Railway Station Group|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4801623|website=[[Office of Environment and Heritage (New South Wales)|Office of Environment and Heritage]]|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121123211/http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4801623|archivedate=21 November 2016|date=4 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Hunter Development Corporation staff|title=The Honeysuckle Story|url=http://honeysuckle.net/sites/default/files/pdfs/precincts/honeysuckle_interpretive_trail_0.pdf|website=[[Honeysuckle, Newcastle|Honeysuckle]]|publisher=Hunter Development Corporation ([[Government of New South Wales]]|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121123454/http://honeysuckle.net/sites/default/files/pdfs/precincts/honeysuckle_interpretive_trail_0.pdf|archivedate=21 November 2016|page=3}}</ref> though the sandstone foundations of the platforms remained in place through to their rediscovery during excavations for the [[Newcastle Light Rail]] project in July 2016.<ref name="nh-1">{{cite web|last1=Owen|first1=Brodie|title=Discovery of centuries-old Honeysuckle station in former rail corridor|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4037759/rail-relics-come-to-surface-photos-poll/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121115723/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4037759/rail-relics-come-to-surface-photos-poll/|archivedate=21 November 2016|date=18 July 2016}}</ref> |
|||
===Opening of Wickham, operations in the 20th century=== |
|||
[[File:Wickham railway station, looking west on platforms.JPG|thumb|Former Wickham railway station in July 2013, looking westward from platform 1.]] |
|||
In the years after Honeysuckle station's closure, Newcastle's population and urban development grew. As a response, two new stations on the Newcastle railway line were built, as Honeysuckle was demolished, to address the growing demand for transport<ref name="abclocal-1">{{cite web|last1=Virtue|first1=Robert|title=A line in the sand - part three|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/12/22/4153098.htm|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Local]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515053436/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/12/22/4153098.htm|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=22 December 2014}}</ref> – Civic, which was built around 600 meters to the east, and Wickham, which was built 400 meters to the west. Wickham station was opened on 9 February 1936, two months after Civic station was opened.<ref name="wickham-oeh">{{cite web|author1=Office of Environment and Heritage staff|title=Wickham Railway Station Group|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4801045|website=[[Office of Environment and Heritage (New South Wales)|Office of Environment and Heritage]]|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|accessdate=21 November 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121124314/http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4801045|archivedate=21 November 2016|date=28 July 2009}}</ref> The station housed an important [[Signalling control|signal box]], located at the station's eastern end, which controlled the entire length of the Newcastle railway line from Newcastle to Hamilton, where the signal box at Hamilton Junction takes over.<ref name="tnsw-1"/> The original signal box was built in 1928, and replaced in 1965 with a two-storey fibro signal box that was recognised as Australia's first television-equipped level crossing, being equipped with a [[closed-circuit television]] link between the box and the [[level crossing]] at Stewart Avenue, located at the station's western end.<ref name="wickham-oeh"/> |
|||
[[File:WickhamStationExtendedPlatform.JPG|thumb|Extended 8-car platform at Wickham under construction in May 2007.]] |
|||
The station's structure remained largely the same for the rest of the 20th century. In 1992, a footbridge connecting the two platforms across the tracks, also located at the station's eastern end, was built, allowing access between the platforms.<ref name="wickham-oeh"/> In 2007, a number of changes were made as part of the [[Government of New South Wales|New South Wales Government]]'s Newcastle Rail Corridor Project, a refurbishment campaign across the railway line designed to extend the life of the Newcastle railway line,<ref name="nrcu">{{cite web|author=Government of New South Wales staff|title=Newcastle Rail Vorridor Upgrade Projects|url=http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/B261FCAF-78B7-40F3-9D47-96755C561621/0/ProjectSummarySheetNRC.pdf|website=Premier’s Department Regional Coordinator, Hunter|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|accessdate=14 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829124215/http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/B261FCAF-78B7-40F3-9D47-96755C561621/0/ProjectSummarySheetNRC.pdf|archivedate=14 May 2017|date=2007}}</ref> described by contemporary media as a "[[Flip-flop (politics)|backflip]]" for the [[Iemma ministry (2007–08)|Iemma Government]], whom originally planned to close the line altogether.<ref name="abc-1">{{cite web|author1=ABC News staff|title=Iemma backflips on Newcastle rail decision as Cabinet set to meet|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-02-21/iemma-backflips-on-newcastle-rail-decision-as/802992|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=14 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514122322/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-02-21/iemma-backflips-on-newcastle-rail-decision-as/802992|archivedate=14 May 2017|date=21 February 2006}}</ref> The changes included an extension of the station's southern platform to fit eight-car trains bound for Newcastle, new entrances to the station via the level crossing at Stewart Avenue, and an upgrade of the CCTV system at the crossing assisting the signal box.<ref name="nrcu"/> |
|||
===Closure and redevelopment=== |
|||
On the morning of 26 December 2014, the Newcastle railway line past Hamilton was closed, along with Wickham, Civic, and Newcastle stations.<ref name="nh-2">{{cite web|last1=McGowan|first1=Michael|title=Last train leaves Newcastle station, video|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2785061/last-train-leaves-newcastle-station-video/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515053717/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2785061/last-train-leaves-newcastle-station-video/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=26 December 2014}}</ref> The decision by [[Transport for New South Wales]] under the [[Baird ministry (2014–15)|Baird Government]], followed a decades-long public campaign to remove the rail line to allow open access to the [[Hunter River]] foreshore and to allow urban renewal projects to take place in the region.<ref name="theguardian-1">{{cite web|last1=Code|first1=Bill|title=Newcastle's CBD rail line to close: the government's reasons|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/22/newcastles-cbd-rail-line-to-close-the-governments-reasons|website=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515051250/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/22/newcastles-cbd-rail-line-to-close-the-governments-reasons|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=21 September 2014}}</ref> The cause, however, was not without controversy and opposition, with numerous efforts seeking to prevent the line's closure and removal.<ref name="dailytelegraph-1">{{cite web|author1=The Daily Telegraph staff|title=Thousands sign petition to prevent demolition of Newcastle rail system|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/thousands-sign-petition-to-prevent-demolition-of-newcastle-rail-system/news-story/0d228ea379296653fc4c207840933389|website=[[The Daily Telegraph (Australia)|The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher=[[News Corp Australia]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://archive.is/ssoLy|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=13 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="abc-2">{{cite web|author1=[[Australian Associated Press]]|title=Claims light rail system will lead to traffic chaos at busy railway crossing|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-31/claims-light-rail-system-will-lead-to-traffic-chaos-at-busy-rai/5179282|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515043422/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-31/claims-light-rail-system-will-lead-to-traffic-chaos-at-busy-rai/5179282|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=31 December 2013}}</ref> For the new public transport system to replace services to the central business district, Wickham was repurposed as the centerpiece of a new [[transport hub]] that would act as the new terminus for the shortened Newcastle railway line and a new [[Newcastle Light Rail|light rail line]] to run along [[Hunter Street (Newcastle)|Hunter Street]].<ref name="abclocal-2">{{cite web|last1=McMahon|first1=Jeannette|title=Light rail route for city finally revealed|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/05/23/4010610.htm|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Local]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515050318/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/05/23/4010610.htm|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=23 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="abc-3">{{cite web|author1=[[Australian Associated Press]]|title=Wickham Transport Interchange plans unveiled|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-30/wickham-transport-interchange-plans-unveiled/5634278|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515050612/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-30/wickham-transport-interchange-plans-unveiled/5634278|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=30 July 2014}}</ref> |
|||
Construction on the Wickham Transport Interchange began in June 2015, with work contracted to [[Laing O'Rourke]] for $73 million.<ref name="mm-1">{{cite web|last1=Bielby|first1=Nick|title=Work to start on Wickham Transport Interchange in June despite court case|url=http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/3006068/work-to-start-on-wickham-transport-interchange-in-june-despite-court-case/|website=[[Maitland Mercury]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media|Fairfax Regional Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515055721/http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/3006068/work-to-start-on-wickham-transport-interchange-in-june-despite-court-case/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=12 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="nh-3">{{cite web|last1=Gordon|first1=Jason|last2=Kelly|first2=Matthew|title=Newcastle rail truncation: Laing O'Rourke win $73 million Wickham interchange contract|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2772887/73m-winner-vows-to-do-better-than-tin-shed/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515055724/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2772887/73m-winner-vows-to-do-better-than-tin-shed/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=18 December 2014}}</ref> The budget for the interchange, however, blew out to $200 million by 2017, more than triple its initial estimated cost.<ref name="nh-5">{{cite web|last1=Kirkwood|first1=Ian|title=Newcastle rail interchange costs hit $200 million|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4461161/newcastle-rail-interchange-costs-hit-200-million/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515061453/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4461161/newcastle-rail-interchange-costs-hit-200-million/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=11 February 2017}}</ref> On 22 December 2016, based on recommendations made from Transport for New South Wales' Wayfinding Program,<ref name="abc-4">{{cite web|author1=ABC News staff|title='Newcastle Interchange' name proposed for new Wickham station|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-12/27newcastle-interchange27-name-proposed-for-new-station/7023026|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515060909/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-12/27newcastle-interchange27-name-proposed-for-new-station/7023026|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=12 December 2015}}</ref> the station and complex was officially renamed Newcastle Interchange.<ref name="nh-6">{{cite web|last1=McGowan|first1=Michael|title=New Wickham Interchange officially named Newcastle Interchange|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4373683/from-wycombe-to-newcastle-new-interchange-named/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515060331/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4373683/from-wycombe-to-newcastle-new-interchange-named/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=22 December 2016}}</ref> After track installations were completed in March 2017,<ref name="nh-7">{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Matthew|title=Wickham interchange trackwork installed|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4532646/new-interchange-platforms-on-track/#slide=1|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=15 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515062015/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4532646/new-interchange-platforms-on-track/|archivedate=15 May 2017|date=15 March 2017}}</ref> the Newcastle Interchange station and complex is due to be completed by late 2017, with the inaugural [[Newcastle 500]] [[2017 Supercars Championship|Supercars Championship]] race in late November being the deadline set by the State Government.<ref name="nh-5"/> |
|||
==Design and overview== |
|||
===Original station, 1936–2014=== |
|||
[[File:Wickham railway station, level crossing.JPG|thumb|Level crossing at Stewart Avenue, viewed from the station platform in July 2013. The new station will be located on the other side of the crossing.]] |
|||
[[File:Signal Box - Wickham old1.jpg|thumb|The signal box at Wickham during the 20th century; date taken unknown.]] |
|||
The original Wickham railway station, opened in 1936, featured two side brick faced and asphalt-surface platforms, each able to fit four cars of a modern [[electric multiple unit]] train. Platform 1, the southern platform, serviced trains heading inbound to Newcastle, while Platform 2, the northern platform, serviced trains heading outbound from the city.<ref name="timetable-1">{{cite web|author1=Transport for New South Wales staff|title=Central Coast & Newcastle Line|url=http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/pdf/Central_Coast_Newcastle.pdf|website=[[NSW TrainLink]]|publisher=[[Transport for New South Wales]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306235521/http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/pdf/Central_Coast_Newcastle.pdf|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=20 October 2013}}</ref> In 2007, Platform 1 was extended eastward to accommodate a full eight-car set for [[Central Coast & Newcastle Line]] services.<ref name="nrcu"/> The station buildings, located at the center of each platform, have been described by the [[Office of Environment and Heritage (New South Wales)|New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage]] as ones of a "[[Federation architecture|Federation character]]", unique to Wickham and Civic stations, which were built much later than most other stations in the [[Hunter region]].<ref name="wickham-oeh"/> Inspectors from the Office of Environment and Heritage, evaluating the station in 2009, described the buildings as such |
|||
{{cquote|The building on platform 1... is of dark face brickwork and is relatively austere in detail, with simple timber framed windows and doors. The gabled roof is of corrugated iron and features timber valances to the awning. The eastern end of the station building is {{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} a brick wall with single opening and attached awning. The former ticket office retains its original ticket window with copper coin tray and original timber counter and drawers. Walls are painted rendered masonry with painted joinery. The room at the eastern end of the building has a concrete floor and is now used as a storeroom. [The ceiling] is angled on the southern side as a result of the room being enlarged at some date; the original use of this room is unclear.|author=Office of Environment and Heritage<ref name="wickham-oeh"/>}} |
|||
The station's original [[signal box]], described as a "Type EO", was replaced with a "Type O" design signal box in 1966. Accessible from Station Street to the station's north, and through a metal staircase at the eastern end of Platform 2, the signal box was a two-storey high brick building, with a "terracotta tiled hipped roof and aluminium framed windows". The lower floor was primarily used for surveillance of the level crossing at Stewart Avenue, using a [[closed-circuit television]] link between the box and the level crossing.<ref name="wickham-oeh"/> A precast reinforced concrete footbridge crossed the tracks at the station's eastern end, allowing easy access for commuters between the platforms. The footbridge is relatively modern, having been built in 1992, with access between the platforms in the 56 years previous only existing through the station's entrances on Beresford Street and Station Street, respectively.<ref name="wickham-oeh"/> |
|||
===New station, 2017–present=== |
|||
The new Wickham station, renamed the Newcastle Interchange station, will be housed in a greater complex that will include shops and, from 2019, a [[light rail]] stop. The complex's design originally consisted solely of the station, which was planned to be housed under a single open-air roof, with a [[taxi]] bay and [[Park and ride|kiss and ride]] port located on Beresford Street side of the station.<ref name="abc-3"/> Pejoratively nicknamed the "big shed", the station's design was heavily criticised by the community and observing architects, who expressed concerns about the minimalist, [[Shed|tin shed]]-like design of the station, and its lack of purpose as a transport interchange, which was missing a direct connection to the city's [[Newcastle Buses & Ferries|bus network]] and the future [[Newcastle Light Rail]].<ref name="nh-8">{{cite web|last1=Gordon|first1=Jason|title=Architects' impressions of Wickham rail interchange|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2475304/architects-impressions-of-wickham-rail-interchange/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516030027/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2475304/architects-impressions-of-wickham-rail-interchange/|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=8 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="ns-1">{{cite web|last1=Connors|first1=Mark|title=State government unveils new design for Wickham interchange|url=http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/story/3237404/state-government-unveils-new-design-for-wickham-interchange/|website=[[Newcastle Star]]|publisher=Newscastle Newspapers ([[Fairfax Media|Fairfax Regional Media]])|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://archive.is/Dad79|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=27 July 2015}}</ref> The outcry initially prompted a obstinate response from the State Government, with [[Minister for Transport (New South Wales)|Minister for Transport]] [[Gladys Berejiklian]] emphasising their focus on the station's function over its design.<ref name="nh-9">{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Matthew|title=Interchange design doesn’t matter, function does: Berejiklian, video|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2454395/interchange-design-doesnt-matter-function-does-berejiklian-video/|website=[[The Newcastle Herald]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516030030/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2454395/interchange-design-doesnt-matter-function-does-berejiklian-video/|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=30 July 2014}}</ref> However, the Government ultimately folded, deciding instead to redesign the complex once more. |
|||
{{external media |
|||
| float = right |
|||
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrYQVIuWFG0 New transport interchange at Wickham – fly-through], animation by [[Transport for New South Wales]] |
|||
}} |
|||
In July 2015, Minister for Transport [[Andrew Constance]] unvieled the complex's new design, which featured a more complex, abstract architectural design, and addressed concerns about substantial transport connections.<ref name="ns-1"/><ref name="abc-5">{{cite web|author1=[[Australian Associated Press]]|title=State Government unveils design for Wickham transport interchange|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-27/state-government-unveils-design-for-wickham-transport-interchan/6650172|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News Australia]]|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516030859/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-27/state-government-unveils-design-for-wickham-transport-interchan/6650172|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=27 July 2015}}</ref> The station and complex are roofed by an abstract metal-and-glass structure nicknamed the "Space Frame", which is suspended on eight steel-truss columns on each of its corners and two on each of its lengthlong sides, completely independent of the buildings housed underneath it.<ref name="bordermail-1">{{cite web|last1=Owen|first1=Brodie|title=Wickham transport interchange: say hello to the space frame|url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4303188/big-roof-steels-the-limelight-photos-video/?cs=2452|website=[[The Border Mail]]|publisher=[[Fairfax Media|Fairfax Regional Media]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516025807/http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4303188/big-roof-steels-the-limelight-photos-video/?cs=2452|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=19 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="nbn-1">{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Emma|title=Roof moved into place on transport interchange|url=http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/11/18/roof-moved-into-place-on-transport-interchange/|website=[[NBN Television|NBN News]]|publisher=[[Nine Entertainment Co.]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516131737/http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/11/18/roof-moved-into-place-on-transport-interchange/|archivedate=16 May 2017|date=18 November 2016}}</ref> The station's three platforms are arranged as one side platform at station's south, and an island platform composing Platforms 2 and 3.<ref name="nh-7"/> |
|||
==Services== |
|||
The former Wickham railway station serviced [[CityRail]], and later [[NSW TrainLink]], [[Central Coast & Newcastle Line]] services to {{rwsa|Newcastle|n}} on Platform 1 and to {{rwsa|Central|s}} on Platform 2.<ref name="timetable-1"/> [[Hunter Line]] services to Newcastle also departed from Platform 1, while services to {{rwsa|Dungog}} and {{rwsa|Scone}} departed from Platform 2.<ref name="timetable-2">{{cite web|title=Hunter Line - Scone or Dungog to Newcastle - Timetable|url=http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/pdf/Hunter.pdfunter.pdf|website=[[CityRail]]|publisher=[[RailCorp]]|accessdate=16 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917142429/http://www.sydneytrains.info/timetables/pdf/Hunter.pdf|archivedate=17 September 2013|date=October 2011}}</ref> It is anticipated that Central Coast & Newcastle and Hunter services outbound westward from the station will remain the same, though services to Newcastle on both routes have ceasd to exist, as Newcastle Interchange will become the new terminus for both services. |
|||
<!-- |
|||
{{Sydney Trains platform box |
|||
| p1linename = |
|||
| p1stop = |
|||
| p1notes = |
|||
| p2linename = |
|||
| p2stop = |
|||
| p2notes = |
|||
| p3linename = |
|||
| p3stop = |
|||
| p3notes = |
|||
}}--> |
|||
==References== |
|||
{{Reflist|25em}} |
|||
==External links== |
|||
{{Commons category multi|Wickham railway station, New South Wales|Newcastle Interchange railway station, New South Wales}} |
|||
*[http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/wickham-transport-interchange Wickham Transport Interchange] at [[Transport for New South Wales]] |
|||
{{Transport for New South Wales railway stations|Central Coast & Newcastle=y|Hunter=y|state=collapsed}} |
|||
{{Hunter Region places and items of interest}} |
|||
[[Category:Railway stations in the Hunter Region]] |
|||
[[Category:Railway stations opened in 1936]] |
|||
[[Category:Railway stations closed in 2014]] |
|||
[[Category:Railway stations scheduled to open in 2017]] |
|||
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Newcastle, New South Wales]] |
|||
Latest revision as of 14:46, 9 September 2017
Redirect to: