Work is underway to transform Cockle Creek Station, with a major upgrade set to modernise the 138-year-old station and improve access and facilities for the Lake Macquarie community
Delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government's more than $1 billion Safe Accessible Transport Program, the upgrade will include a new footbridge with lifts and stairs, accessible paths to station facilities, improvements to the Lake Road entrance and a new kiss and ride zone.
The improvements will make the station safer, more inclusive and easier to navigate for everyone, particularly people with disability, older passengers, people with prams and passengers with limited mobility.
The project also includes an accessible parking space, bicycle parking, CCTV cameras, wayfinding signage, improved connections to bus stops, tactile indicators and other accessibility improvements.
Stephen Edwards Constructions has been awarded the design and construction contract, with site preparation now underway. Construction is expected to take around 18 months, weather permitting, with the upgrade due for completion by early 2028.
Community feedback has helped inform the project, with Transport for NSW receiving 47 submissions and 88 responses through the Have Your Say survey.
Feedback showed strong overall support for the upgrade, particularly the accessibility, safety and modernisation benefits. Key issues raised included parking capacity, pedestrian safety at surrounding road crossings, vehicle access, lighting and personal security, lift and ramp design, and weather protection.
The REF Determination Report summarises the feedback and Transport for NSW's responses and is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/cockle-creek-station-upgrade.
Under the Safe Accessible Transport program, 24 stations across NSW are in the pipeline for upgrades, with six currently upgrades in construction by the end of the year.
Cockle Creek Station will remain open throughout construction, except during advertised weekend closures. Transport for NSW will continue to work with the community and stakeholders as the upgrade progresses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport, John Graham:
"It's fantastic to see this important and historic station get the upgrade it needs, and the community deserves.
"Thank you to everyone who has given their feedback to help us deliver the upgrades that best serve the community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"People across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter rely on our trains to get to work, to school and to appointments. They deserve stations that are easy to use.
"Anyone who's caught a train from Cockle Creek knows this upgrade is long overdue. After 138 years, it's time to bring this station into the modern day.
"New lifts, a footbridge and better access will make a real difference, particularly for older residents, people with disability and parents with prams."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington:
"Everyone deserves to be able to access public transport, including people with disability, parents with prams and older people with mobility issues.
"It is wonderful to see this station upgrade coming to life, something which was long called for by the community and ignored by the Liberals and Nationals. We are delivering a more inclusive NSW, by investing in essential public infrastructure through our $1 billion Safe Accessible Transport program."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"Accessibility sits at the centre of public transport, and it shows up in the everyday details of a station or bus stop, from the path to the entrance to the lift, the signage and the lighting, which all need to work for people of every age and level of mobility.
"The upgrades at Cockle Creek Station will make a real difference for local commuters and I look forward to seeing the major works kick off."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper:
"Everyone deserves to feel confident using their local train station, without having to worry about whether they can get across a platform or access the facilities they need.
"These upgrades at Cockle Creek station, and the others being rolled out across the state, will give more people the independence and confidence to travel on their own terms."
