Central Station’s brand-new Chalmers Street entrance opens after fire
13.11.2023
The doors have opened on Central Station’s landmark new Chalmers Street entrance today, delivered as part of Sydney Metro Central Station works, six months after it was damaged when a fire took hold of a neighbouring building.
The Randle Street warehouse fire in Surry Hills on 25 May 2023 was six metres from the new entrance and separated by only a small laneway, Randle Lane.
Rail Fire & Emergency responded within three minutes to support Fire and Rescue NSW crews, with a team of six crew assigned to the Chalmers Street entrance, from where they helped extinguish the fire and protect the station.
The bricks and debris, along with the large amount of water needed to extinguish the fire caused extensive structural and water damage to the entrance.
After the damage was assessed, it was determined rectification work was required to restore the roof, the stairs would need re-tiling and windows replaced.
The two new lifts and six escalators to take commuters entering from Chalmers Street down to Central Walk were damaged by water, resulting in mechanical and electrical services needing to be replaced.
The new entrance provides direct access to Central Station from the Surry Hills catchment area and a direct interchange for passengers from the CBD and South East Light Rail.
Opening the new entrance also marks the completion of major Sydney Metro upgrade works at Central Station.