Central Station’s new concourse is now open

The 80-metre-long underground concourse will provide escalator access to suburban platforms 16 to 23 for the first time in the station’s 116-year history.

Central Walk will give customers a fast and clear path to platforms, trains, buses, light rail, and metro services in 2024.

This pedestrian link will also provide a connection between the lower northern concourse and the eastern suburbs railway concourse, shaving minutes off travel times for commuters moving between Eddy Avenue and Chalmers Street.

Central Walk will cater to future customer demand at the station, which is expected to more than double in the next two decades.

The distinctive wall panels along Central Walk are made up of 784 glass reinforced concrete panels, with the longest measuring 4.5 metres. More than 7,000 tiles and 500 lights were also installed as part of construction and 38,000 tonnes of rock were removed, which is the equivalent of six Olympic swimming pools.

Remaining work on the next stage of Central Walk includes finalising installation for four lifts and the remaining eight of 15 new escalators, along with installing cladding, services and tiles. Construction will continue with minimal disruption to customers using the new concourse or moving through the station above.