Commuters in southwestern Sydney are one step closer to enjoying the new Metro Southwest line, with the opening of Bankstown plaza.
Bankstown is a key transport interchange in southwestern Sydney, with 330,913 passengers passing through on trains and buses in February alone. Patronage is set to increase when the Southwest Metro opens in the second half of the year.
The Metro Southwest Line is expected to host approximately 48,000 trips between Bankstown and Tallawong between 8am and 9am on weekdays, greatly boosting public transport capacity.
The plaza will improve accessibility for commuters and increase community public space. The 90 metre-long tree lined plaza connects to the future metro, buses, trains, and new Kiss-and-Ride parking.
A new second Sydney Trains entrance with nine more Opal gates will provide direct and faster access to the T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line.
The Metro station at the southern end is in its final stages of construction and has been anticipated to welcome more than 2,300 passengers an hour during peaks.
Once opened, Bankstown commuters will enjoy reduced metro travel times including:
- Bankstown to Gadigal: around 30 minutes (15 minutes faster)
- Bankstown to Central: around 28 minutes (six minutes faster)
- Bankstown to Chatswood: around 43 minutes (25 minutes faster)
- Bankstown to Macquarie University: around 54 minutes (25 minutes faster)
The plaza is one of the largest upgrades to the precinct since the station opened in 1909, creating a new direct pedestrian thoroughfare linking Bankstown's north side town centre together with the south side residential areas, and boosting foot traffic for local businesses.
Much more than a transport interchange, the new hub has been designed as a welcoming space for the community to enjoy. Spaces have been future-proofed for dining and retail opportunities with new lighting, shaded seating, benches and timber decking beneath the iconic 150-year-old fig tree.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"This is an important step forward. Metro is coming to Southwest Sydney very soon and opening this wonderful community precinct is just a taste of what's to come.
"I would like to thank the patient people of Bankstown, and the 1,942 workers who worked tirelessly to build this plaza, and the new Metro station.
"The southwest Metro will be a truly transformative project when opens later this year, connecting communities across Sydney, and reducing commuter's travel time so they can spend more time enjoying the great offerings of our city.
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
"I want to thank the community who have been beyond patient. We are creating a new beating heart that will support businesses and make it a destination to visit for the rest of Sydney.
"This plaza brings the north and south sides of Bankstown together for the community - making it easier to walk to through to services like the library and the theatre as well as to schools and restaurants.
"With the recently opened TAFE campus, alongside the new Bankstown Hospital, upgraded schools and the Metro on the way - this is another exciting project in the on-going investment in southwest Sydney."
Background - about Bankstown plaza:
- The cross-corridor plaza runs between Restwell Street and Appian Way, creating a new north-south connection linking Bankstown's town centre and residential and commercial areas south of the station.
- The plaza features 24 new trees, lighting, seating, wayfinding and increased bicycle parking spaces, including a secure bike storage facility for 36 bicycles along with a bike repair station plus an additional 12 bike parking spaces in the plaza itself.
- A new Sydney Trains entrance with a modern ticket gateline, improved passenger information, CCTV, Help Points and PA systems.
- New canopies and shelters above the station buildings to provide weather coverage.
- Three Kiss-and-Ride parking spaces on North Terrace along with seating and shelter.
- Two accessible parking spaces near South Terrace.
- Landscaping, security fencing, screens and anti-climb treatments to the rail corridor.
