Thank you SO MUCH for this comprehensive tour of the new facilities. I now live interstate but used to frequent Central in the days of steam trains, it is wonderful to see the new developments.
You're very welcome Ralph. I know that people that live interstate and overseas appreciate seeing what's happening in Sydney! Yes it's very different now!
Thanks Robert, I originally thought this would be an easy 10 minute video, but the more I explored, the more I realised that there is a lot more to show you and talk about!
The Southern Tunnel entrance is like a walk back in time. It's incredible how awesome the concourses look and they are a significant improvement to Central Station. Really impressed by the overall work and development at Central Station.
Hi Paul, I really enjoyed this presentation and the detail in your explanations is appreciated. I think I need to adjust slightly my opinion of the design of this project. I appreciate more how this design fits in with the original sandstone structures that I have grown up with. Your explanation of the canopies is something that I would never have noticed without your input. I hope to see this when I visit Sydney this weekend. I am hoping you will be invited to inspect the new Metro platforms at Central prior to them opening to the public. I hate to admit it but I might be a convert to this project due to your presentations.
Thanks John! I thought you'd like this one! Enjoying seeing it when you're in Sydney this weekend! I'm sure you'll be impressed! Yes hopefully, although I'd be more keen to get inside Martin Place, Pitt Street or Barangaroo! Seriously, when the testing phase starts (and the stations are no longer construction sites), I think there will be more opportunities to see this new stations before they open. Enjoy your time in Sydney.
Excellent video, Paul! You cover alot of material and your explanation is so good. Central station is indeed a pleasure to visit, it's beautiful ❤️ Love how they've kept some things that they found during excavation, that's history. Thanks again for all your efforts 🤗
Glad you enjoyed it! Yep, there was a lot to cover! Yes wonderful that they kept some things found during the excavation. I think they might be doing the same at Waterloo station!
Hi Paul, thank you very much for this video. I've been waiting for this, as your normally always the one who explains it best! 🤣 Congrats on 10K Paul. :)
Congratulations on 10,000 subscribers - well deserved due to the excellent content you produce. Really enjoyed this new video; narrated clearly, well-structured and informative. I can't imagine the behind the scenes effort to record the footage, plan and produce. Thank you.
Hi Paul, another top video! You did another superb job, describing the new Central walk and Metro concourse. They are fantastic new additions to Central station . But that tunnel connecting the Metro concourse to platforms 4 to 11 looks like a portal to another dimension. So disjointed. Hopefully that can also be fixed up. I also hope they fix up the remaining parts of central station as well to make it a complete package.
Congratulations on the 10k subscribers. This development has completely transformed Central Station. The contrast between the old walk way and the new is stark. It's a wonderful project and I hope people love it. It's definitely on my Bucket List and thanks for another excellent video. 😊
I finally got the chance to go down to Central and see Central Walk and the new concourse with my own eyes and I must say its absolutely amazing, even better than in videos. The amount of natural light that seeps in is really impressive and makes the place feel very airy, not claustrophobic at all unlike the underground concourses from previous decades. I loved how they integrated the entrances to the various other concourses. I really can’t wait for the whole thing to open and for central walk to be extended. This whole project has definitely been built with transfers in mind and I can already picture the thousands of commuters rushing to/from the metro/suburban lines. Exciting times!! There are some fixtures that seem rather temporary though such as the signs indicating the concourses and of course the arches for platforms 12 and 13, are these all set to change? (Maybe finally get out big backlit platform number signs?)
Wonderful that you got to see it for yourself! Besides being impressive, it has a really relaxed vibe which probably comes from the amount of space. Those signs above platforms 12 and 13 do look rather temporary, and block the views a little too! Hopefully they will go. The backlit platform signs for Central Walk (that were in the artist impression images) are now not happening, but lets hope the existing platform signs get replaced with something better soon.
@@TransportVlog Good day from Lismore NSW. You're welcome. I will leave Lismore, NSW, at the end of September 2024 to travel around Australia, covering a total distance of 20,220km. I am purchasing two CYPERTRUCK to transport a team of six people at the end of September or March 2025.
@@TransportVlog I came down to Sydney today (I moved up to Forster late last year), and I visited Central because of your video. I took lots of photos (nothing like your videos) and I checked out the artifacts. Having seen your videos it was great to get back. I felt as though I knew it all from watching your blogs. Thanks again.
@@jack2453 Art is of course subjective. It is worth the attempt, even if it doesn’t please everyone. Surely there is public art you enjoy. Give an example.
You're very welcome! Part of the idea for starting this channel came from watching Geoff Marshall's videos to keep up with what is happening in the UK, so its nice to do the same for Aussie's living overseas.
Thank you for your inspired ongoing educational video series. I worked at Central Station when the platforms were basically ashphalt being relaid with tiles. About 46 years ago. A short stint also at Darling Harbour goods sheds. In both cases massive changes have been implemented for excellent productivity based results. You bring back memory based comparisons worth the time. I hope you keep your series safe for future historical interest. Well done.
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed them! And thanks for sharing your memories. It's always lovely to hear some of the history! Yes I hope people are watching my videos in 50 or even 100 years time!
Beautiful vlog Paul! Excellent documentation of all observations. Congratulations again on 10k very well deserved. 🎉 Can’t wait for metro to be functional in cbd. It will hopefully reduce traffic.
My Aussie friend Jim (throat clearing happening here) sent me the link to this video. It features an extraordinary example of structural engineering and human achievement. Mind-blowing!
@@TransportVlog -- I've been watching your other videos, Paul. They're the only way for me to get acquainted with these amazing structures in Australia.
Thanks Paul, I can't really improve on Ralph's astute remarks below this. I look forward to when I am better and my favourite carer returns from her holiday to coming into Central and catching up, in person, with all this completed updating that I have watched develop, over time. Hopefully, we will meet one of these days.
@@TransportVlog Paul you can see my regular out and about carer that loves doing train trips and stuff with me in at least one of the newer Carlingford Videos. Kathy is a real help to me.
10,000 People. That is Amazing. 10,000 People can fit on 5 Waratah Trains that Hold 2,150 People. And 10,000 People Equals to 10 Alstom Metropolis Sets that can Hold 1,100 People
I know its cost a lot of money but, thanks to your vids, you can see where the money has been spent. Amazing attention to detail. All involved should be proud when you consider how little the public have been impacted (partly thanks to COVID). An old station revitalised for the future. I must go have a look myself. Thanks Paul!
Just watched from Lincolnshire UK. Been to Sri Lanka (started school in Ceylon after WWII) but never to Aus. We got the Elizabeth line east-west through London recrntly. Less well known I can get to Paris or Brighton with one change of trains. Train is king. Be grateful you have great designers and engineers.
Hi John, always lovely to hear from people in the UK! Yes I know quite a lot about the Thameslink project, and the remodelling of London Bridge station to make it all work is amazing. I was still in London when they lengthened the platforms at Farringdon, so I remember that well. Hoping to get to the UK soon, and Elizabeth Line is definitely on my list, but Thameslink to London Bridge is up there too!
As usual, this is a very well researched video, Paul. Well done. Central station has become very intricate. I've hardly ever needed to use central station, but if I did, the signage would be welcome. I think I would get lost.
It's amazing to think that only 100 years ago United States was mostly cowboy land with horses. Yet it became the sole superpower far surpassing other civilizations and countries that had THOUSANDS of years head start.
Very informative. Amazing transformation of this 100 yo section of the station. I love the floor art. Great ideas that could be used for the upgrade of Flinders Street Station to be incorporated into the links to the new Town Hall Station.
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it is an amazing transformation, and glad you like the floor art! Judging by some of the other comments, it's not to everyone's taste! Yes I do hope some of these ideas will be incorporated into the Flinders Street - Town Hall link.
I use the new concourse & central walk daily as I travel to work. The upgrade to central station is amazing. Very good video, Paul. Congrats on 10k subscribers.
Thank you Paul. I must say that your rail network in Sydney and wider NSW do offer far more enjoyable videos. You are providing an ever increasing list of site seeing options we next in Sydney. Thank you and congratulations on 10,000 subscribers.
Thanks Jack, glad you're enjoying them. Sounds like you'll have a big list of things to see when you're next in Sydney! Thanks for the 10,000 subs congrats too!
To paul the video you us was really understanding showing us the new concourse at Central station please reply back thankyou Michael smith from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 .
Hi Michael, glad you enjoyed it! I was very pleased with how this video came out and it's certainly become popular. Hope you've had a chance to see it for real!
I hadn’t noticed the artefacts at the back. Thanks so much for pointing them out. Will definitely have to check them out next time I pass through. Also, congratulations on the 10k milestone, it’s very deserved given the quality of your videos!
Hi Paul. Since you so loved showing us the steps Sydney Metro took in the building of the Chatswood dive sight. Will we ever get to see a final video of the finished site.
The dive site itself was complete when I did my last update that was back in January. Here is a link to this video - ua-cam.com/video/K5ku64Ke43I/v-deo.html. There is a little bit of work going on within the adjacent construction site, but that's mainly demolishing the acoustic shed, so I don't there is enough to cover at the moment. I'll do another video when test trains are running regularly.
Yes that would be cool! Here is a high-speed front of train ride from Chatswood DS to Sydenham - facebook.com/SydneyMetro/videos/1439390483485755. You might need a facebook login to see this, as its not on UA-cam.
WOW....I'm going to be so shocked next time I come to Sydney with all this progress...last time I was in my city of birth was in September 2017.....I'm not going to recognize the place...lol, love all your videos, Paul....thank you :)
Hi Lorraine, yes Sydney has changed a lot since 2017. Glad you enjoy seeing the progress of your city of birth and hope you can make a trip back here soon (well perhaps in 2024 after Sydney Metro City & Southwest opens).
I must admit the still video shots left me a little bewildered. A pan shot would have been more appealing. I get the impression that this upgrade was to follow such designs in Europe or North America. Soon in time as with all remodeling designs, we will grow to get used to them before a new wave is due to take its place. Thank you for sharing this, nonetheless.
Bravo Paul! This one is really a great expose of the brilliant work being done. You have presented this in a very interesting sequence of events and historic recaps of the what some areas were like in construction and now the finished product Thanks v v much for this epic production. God help the twit who would dare to add graffiti! My hope is that there will be ample seats up on the platforms which, Central has lacked adequate seating over the past few years, likewise the other city platforms,. Maybe now that the whole opus is nearing completion that matter will be addressed. Another point; that southern tunnel. Is that the Devonshire Street tunnel? With this presentation, I am now prompted to get myself down ASAP, to see the job in person.
Thanks Luke! Glad you enjoyed this video. There are quite a few seats on the new platforms 12 to 14, and seats are being added to the suburban platforms too. These will be towards the southern end. No they are different. The Devonshire Street tunnel is outside of the Opal gates, and goes under all platforms. It used by passengers and other pedestrians wanting to get from Railway Square to Chalmers Street. The Southern Tunnel is within the station and has been shortened. It provides stair access to platforms 4 to 11 only now, and as its inside the opal gates, it would only be used by passengers. Hope that makes sense, and yes, I recommending going and checking it out in person!
Thanks Paul for another slick and informative production. Do you know if there are any plans to replace the older style platform canopies at Central with something similar to those at platforms 12-14
Hi Graham, Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I'm not aware of any plans to replace the suburban platform canopies. As Mark says, as they are heritage listed, it is more likely that they would be upgraded rather than replaced.
Oh my those changes. I was last at Central in early 2014, and i used to know Central like the back on my hand. Looking at this video I'm completely lost. It does look great though, so bright and modern. Hopefully I can find my way around when I come in, on the Bathurst Bullet, in October. What lines are platforms 13 and 14 for?
I'm sure you will! I think the south coast line trains to Wollongong and Kiama will use platforms 13 & 14, rather than going through to Bondi Junction, but I may be wrong on that. We will find out in due course!
Hi Paul, the escalator gate with the roll down shutter, and the U shaped structures at the escalator bases, one is shown at 17:03 are these temporary, they look out of place and don't blend in with any other decor in the station plus create a barrier to the escalator, surely these are not permanent
@@MachineInput Yeah I thought it looked like a bit of MDF just screwed on, wondering why they haven't removed it at the base of the escalators, maybe they are waiting for a proper sign / posts ?
Yes, they may well be temporary. It's good that they've gone for gates rather than white hoardings. The ones at the bottom of the platform 12 escalators looks a little temporary too.
Love your content. Keep up the good work. Look forward to a review of the new parramatta light rail stops & substations enclosures (TPS’s) heading north towards Carlingford….if you haven’t already…
Thanks Peter, yes will do. I'm thinking August for another Parramatta Light Rail update, and I'm looking forward to using the new Active Transport link for the Carlingford line section.
I have started catching the trains a bit more. On a Friday afternoon I would catch from Hurstville to Central, destined for Epping. From the Central country train terminal can either catch Central coast/Newcastle train express to Epping, or limited stops T9 to Epping that terminates at Central platforms and use the main pair tracks. From Epping then change to Metro line. Next year this will streamline to Hurstville to Sydenham and continue journey all the way.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing another excellent video. That North South Concourse is absolutely gigantic. I wonder if they have ever considered running light rail trams along the long red pathway there?? I am wondering if that old clock is the one that used to be near the country platforms at Central. Incidentally, is there still a walking area at the north end of the central platforms at ground level? I remember that was the way we used to get on to the country and interstate platforms and also to catch the Dulwich Hill light rail trams to the north side of that. One thing that I notice that the escalators don't include (similar to here also, are red and green lights on the ends. This is something that they have in the Netherlands to prevent anyone accidentally getting on the escalators heading the wrong way. Anyway, take care. Rob in Melbourne Australia.
Hi Rob, Glad you enjoyed it. Yes it's pretty huge! Yes its the Central Station Clock Tower, which is quite close to the country platforms. Yes that walking area is still there and hasn't changed much, and the Dulwich Hill Light Rail still goes from outside. Interesting point about the escalators.
I've decided not to cover road projects for the time being, mainly because there are so many public transport projects happening and I'm struggling to cover them all as it is! Hopefully there is another UA-camr that could do a video on this.
Great video as usual Paul. I visited a couple of weeks back and on a sunny winter day the station looked spectacular. It felt like a place to linger if you weren't in a hurry rather than a place to scurry through quickly. Any update on the Chalmers St entrance since that fire please? Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it Tim. Yes the north-south concourse does have a very relaxed feel about it! I found it easy to spend a few hours there filming and chatting to people that recognised me. Repair work has started on the Chalmers Street entrance, but not much has changed. Phil at Sydney Trains Vlog did an update recently. Here is a link to it - ua-cam.com/video/g3lOMCqs6xA/v-deo.html
18:07 “The Sydney Metro platform escalators are very very long being 45 meters in length and that makes them the longest escalators in the southern hemisphere.” Washington D.C.’s Wheaton Metro Station is even deeper at 70 meters. The first time down the “Down Escalator” feels like a trip into hell. Walking up the already moving “Up Escalator” two steps at a time means you can skip leg day at the gym. Thanks for the station overview.
Hi Barry, yes there are many longer escalators in the northern hemisphere including those ones the Wheaton Metro. I like the idea of skipping a day at the gym, but I reckon I can do that without walking up any escalators. 😀
7.24 Those wall surfaces that you observed and commented on, may have another purpose: sound dispersal. Sheer hard surfaces on walls, ceilings and floors in a large space can be very echoey. Even in a large room they can be echoey.
Congrats also from me on the 10k subscribers. Watching your videos is always a highlight! What is the current schedule for opening the Metro extension from Chatswood to Bankstown? Cheers from Europe, Rick
Thanks Rick, Glad you enjoy my videos, and lovely to know that you watch them from Europe! Its currently 2024 for Chatswood to Sydenham, and 2025 for Sydenham to Bankstown. The dates are not any more specific than that at the moment.
Paul, here is one thing I wondered about the new station. I get off the bus at Railway Sqr and go down escalator to walk underground to get to the tunnel to Central. Q with all the money spent on revamp why do you have to still walk all the way to Devonshire street end to get past barriers then potentially all the way back to get on North Shore line. There was a door which got direct access just inside railway sqr end of tunnel but was staff only. any idea why this annoyance wasnt resolved?
Hi John, I'm not sure, but yes an entrance on Railway Square is really needed. It may have been closed when Opal gates were installed, but I'm not sure.
Yes hopefully over time. I had noticed that some of the ceilings in the existing station are getting an upgrade. I think Central Station will continue to evolve with more parts of the existing station getting facelifts to match the new areas.
I'm not aware of any specific plans, but I know that there are longer term proposals to provide entrances on Railway Square and better access from the west side generally.
Hi Steven, I've been checking it every few weeks and it hasn't change a great deal. On Monday, the Bankstown Line will reopen after a 2 week shutdown, so I'll take another look later this month.
Great video, my only problem is all this new space and still only the couple of crappy places to eat, a decent food court would have been a nice addition unless they are putting one elsewhere
Thanks, yes food options are still very limited at Central Station. However, foot outlets would normally be on the unpaid side (so before the Opal gates), so probably not suited to the north-south concourse. The Eternity Cafe has reopened and they do good coffee and have a few food options.
@@TransportVlog There were shops on the other side of the gates including a newsagent for many years, so the gates should not be a barrier for food outlets etc, just like airports, but all good, keep up the great work
Good how they added more toilets which isn't the north of the concourse and give some mid and south concourse a place to go to when u gotta go without running to the north concourse....
i thought this was just an extension of central walk. is the central walk linking from Chalmers street, if that has even opened yet. Sorry, i haven' been in Sydney lately
Central Walk is basically the part from the Eastern Suburbs concourse to the new North-South concourse. It is a little confusing, but if you review the maps in this video, that will probably help too.
UA-cam already provides subtitles, although they are not always accurate. Creating subtitles that are 100% accurate is a time-consuming process, and I'd rather put that time in to creating further videos. When the channel is larger, I may be able to pay for someone else to do that for me.
Hi Paul, Another gread video. I dont know if I've missed it but is anything happening to the long awful underground passage to Railway Square that went under the whole station?
Did anyone notice what looks like doors on the other side of the lifts going down to the metro platforms? It is here 18:56 in the video. I’m wondering if anyone knows what it is.
So the doors at the platform level are on the south side, which means that the lift has doors on both sides, so I think that's what you're referring to.
I don't think anyone knows the answer to that question, as it will depend on how well the testing goes. The 5th anniversary of Sydney Metro North West opening is 26 May next year, so I reckon that's a date they might have in their sights!
One of the sets of stairs at the southern end of platforms 16 to 23 has been removed, and will be replaced with seating. I'm not aware of any other stairs going.
Because I liked it the first time. I have viewed this one again. Remarkable record of the great works going on in Central. I hope that there will be plenty of monitoring and pouncing on would-be graffiti rats. Luke
Nice one! There is so much in this video, that I'm sure a few people have also watched it more than once! So far, graffiti has not been a problem! - There are hundreds of CCTV camera's, so that's probably a deterrent.
Hi Paul, would you know if the Information Display panels on the new Metro Platforms will be integrated into the Platform Screen doors (like on the new stations on the Elizabeth Line in London) or will they continue to use the same boxy displays currently used on all the Sydney Metro North West and Sydney Trains train stations?
As I got a glimpse of one on the Central Station metro platform, and I've seen them at Sydenham too, and they look like the same as the ones on Sydney Metro North West. Perhaps Sydney Metro West might get Elizabeth Line ones integrated on to the platform screen doors.
That’s a shame. Those boxy information display panels looks so 1990s, cathode ray tube television sets. Should be integrated into the platform screen doors like on the Elizabeth Line, looks much more modern and 21st century.
No. It would be just beyond the southern end of the north-south concourse but was deemed unviable to connect for a number or reasons. Ultimately Central Walk is planned to be extended further West to create another new entrance on the Western side of central.
As usual a very interesting vlog just one question Sydney Metro in advertising materials they say there going to be 3 new retail outlets in the new area please tell me that they aren’t the vending machine you should in the video if that’s the case I’m going to be very disappointed
Good question, and I'm not sure of the answer. There are spaces under the platforms 12&13 and 14 escalators that could be large enough for retail, so that may be where they will go. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Thank you SO MUCH for this comprehensive tour of the new facilities. I now live interstate but used to frequent Central in the days of steam trains, it is wonderful to see the new developments.
You're very welcome Ralph. I know that people that live interstate and overseas appreciate seeing what's happening in Sydney! Yes it's very different now!
Nobody else, and I mean nobody, provides as much detailed info as you do Paul. Well done as always, and thank you.
Thanks Robert, I originally thought this would be an easy 10 minute video, but the more I explored, the more I realised that there is a lot more to show you and talk about!
The Southern Tunnel entrance is like a walk back in time. It's incredible how awesome the concourses look and they are a significant improvement to Central Station. Really impressed by the overall work and development at Central Station.
Yes it is! Quite a contrast in fact! Glad you're impressed with this upgrade!
Hi Paul, I really enjoyed this presentation and the detail in your explanations is appreciated. I think I need to adjust slightly my opinion of the design of this project. I appreciate more how this design fits in with the original sandstone structures that I have grown up with. Your explanation of the canopies is something that I would never have noticed without your input. I hope to see this when I visit Sydney this weekend. I am hoping you will be invited to inspect the new Metro platforms at Central prior to them opening to the public. I hate to admit it but I might be a convert to this project due to your presentations.
Thanks John! I thought you'd like this one! Enjoying seeing it when you're in Sydney this weekend! I'm sure you'll be impressed! Yes hopefully, although I'd be more keen to get inside Martin Place, Pitt Street or Barangaroo! Seriously, when the testing phase starts (and the stations are no longer construction sites), I think there will be more opportunities to see this new stations before they open. Enjoy your time in Sydney.
@@TransportVlog testing's started. trains have been to Sydenham
Excellent video, Paul! You cover alot of material and your explanation is so good.
Central station is indeed a pleasure to visit, it's beautiful ❤️
Love how they've kept some things that they found during excavation, that's history. Thanks again for all your efforts 🤗
Glad you enjoyed it! Yep, there was a lot to cover! Yes wonderful that they kept some things found during the excavation. I think they might be doing the same at Waterloo station!
Another interesting and informative video. Excellent! Thanks so much.
Thanks Jonas, glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Paul, thank you very much for this video. I've been waiting for this, as your normally always the one who explains it best! 🤣 Congrats on 10K Paul. :)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. And congrats on your channel reaching 3K, and I loved your guard for the day video. That was very cool!
@@TransportVlog Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Great video Paul. Well worth the additional time perfecting it.
Thanks Mark, Glad it was worth the wait!
You're doing a great job. Thank you!
Thanks!
Wow Paul, you've really outdone yourself with this one. Cheers
Thanks Jim, yes I put a lot of effort into this one! But then, things like this don't happen very often, so it was worth doing it justice!
Congratulations on 10,000 subscribers - well deserved due to the excellent content you produce. Really enjoyed this new video; narrated clearly, well-structured and informative. I can't imagine the behind the scenes effort to record the footage, plan and produce. Thank you.
Thanks! Yes this one did take a lot of time and effort, but was worth it!
Hi Paul, another top video! You did another superb job, describing the new Central walk and Metro concourse. They are fantastic new additions to Central station . But that tunnel connecting the Metro concourse to platforms 4 to 11 looks like a portal to another dimension. So disjointed. Hopefully that can also be fixed up. I also hope they fix up the remaining parts of central station as well to make it a complete package.
Thanks Stojan, glad you enjoyed it! Yes they certainly are! Yes hopefully the other parts of the station will get a refresh soon!
You've done yourself proud, Sydney. Central Station looks pretty spectacular.
Yes it certainly does! It's an amazing transformation!
Congratulations on the 10k subscribers. This development has completely transformed Central Station. The contrast between the old walk way and the new is stark. It's a wonderful project and I hope people love it. It's definitely on my Bucket List and thanks for another excellent video. 😊
Thanks Pauline. Yes it certainly has, and passengers seem to be loving it so far! Glad its now on your bucket list 😀
I finally got the chance to go down to Central and see Central Walk and the new concourse with my own eyes and I must say its absolutely amazing, even better than in videos.
The amount of natural light that seeps in is really impressive and makes the place feel very airy, not claustrophobic at all unlike the underground concourses from previous decades.
I loved how they integrated the entrances to the various other concourses. I really can’t wait for the whole thing to open and for central walk to be extended. This whole project has definitely been built with transfers in mind and I can already picture the thousands of commuters rushing to/from the metro/suburban lines. Exciting times!!
There are some fixtures that seem rather temporary though such as the signs indicating the concourses and of course the arches for platforms 12 and 13, are these all set to change? (Maybe finally get out big backlit platform number signs?)
Wonderful that you got to see it for yourself! Besides being impressive, it has a really relaxed vibe which probably comes from the amount of space. Those signs above platforms 12 and 13 do look rather temporary, and block the views a little too! Hopefully they will go. The backlit platform signs for Central Walk (that were in the artist impression images) are now not happening, but lets hope the existing platform signs get replaced with something better soon.
Thanks!
Thank you so much Ian. I really appreciate that!
@@TransportVlog Good day from Lismore NSW. You're welcome.
I will leave Lismore, NSW, at the end of September 2024 to travel around Australia, covering a total distance of 20,220km.
I am purchasing two CYPERTRUCK to transport a team of six people at the end of September or March 2025.
Congratulations on the 10,000 followers!!! 🎉
Thanks!
Nice touch with the found items Paul. Its important that we connect with the past. Well done. Top quality as always.
Glad you liked that part! and the video overall. Hopefully other metro stations will have a display of found items too!
@@TransportVlog I came down to Sydney today (I moved up to Forster late last year), and I visited Central because of your video. I took lots of photos (nothing like your videos) and I checked out the artifacts. Having seen your videos it was great to get back. I felt as though I knew it all from watching your blogs. Thanks again.
Thank you for the update , very informative
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
W❤️W! That’s Tremendously Awesome! Cheers!🥂❤️✨
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. 😂
😃
It should be mandatory that all stations have public art work. Kudos Sydney!👍
Really? Looks like a big cringe to me.
@@jack2453 Art is of course subjective. It is worth the attempt, even if it doesn’t please everyone. Surely there is public art you enjoy. Give an example.
@@jack2453 The Sydney Opera House isn’t cringe. Right?
thank you so much i live overseas now but love to keep up with the changes in my hometown Sydney
You're very welcome! Part of the idea for starting this channel came from watching Geoff Marshall's videos to keep up with what is happening in the UK, so its nice to do the same for Aussie's living overseas.
Thank you for your inspired ongoing educational video series. I worked at Central Station when the platforms were basically ashphalt being relaid with tiles. About 46 years ago. A short stint also at Darling Harbour goods sheds. In both cases massive changes have been implemented for excellent productivity based results. You bring back memory based comparisons worth the time. I hope you keep your series safe for future historical interest. Well done.
You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed them! And thanks for sharing your memories. It's always lovely to hear some of the history! Yes I hope people are watching my videos in 50 or even 100 years time!
Beautiful vlog Paul! Excellent documentation of all observations.
Congratulations again on 10k very well deserved. 🎉
Can’t wait for metro to be functional in cbd. It will hopefully reduce traffic.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your lovely comments. Yes me too! Not long now!
Thanks Paul, an outstanding video. This is one of your best yet.
Thanks David!, Yes I had a special effort with this one!
woohoo!!!!!!
Impressive
Excellent production Paul, thank you. I must say the architects should be proud; I am impressed
Thanks Roger, I'd love to meet the architects one day.
My Aussie friend Jim (throat clearing happening here) sent me the link to this video. It features an extraordinary example of structural engineering and human achievement. Mind-blowing!
That's very nice of him. Yes it's an amazing achievement!
@@TransportVlog --
I've been watching your other videos, Paul. They're the only way for me to get acquainted with these amazing structures in Australia.
Amazing!
Thanks!
Thanks Paul, I can't really improve on Ralph's astute remarks below this. I look forward to when I am better and my favourite carer returns from her holiday to coming into Central and catching up, in person, with all this completed updating that I have watched develop, over time. Hopefully, we will meet one of these days.
You're very welcome Geoff. Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you can make it to Central soon.
@@TransportVlog Paul you can see my regular out and about carer that loves doing train trips and stuff with me in at least one of the newer Carlingford Videos. Kathy is a real help to me.
The designers seemed to integrated art, history and functionality with this project!
Yes absolutely!
10,000 People. That is Amazing. 10,000 People can fit on 5 Waratah Trains that Hold 2,150 People. And 10,000 People Equals to 10 Alstom Metropolis Sets that can Hold 1,100 People
Amazing video. Always in-depth and a pleasure to watch. Thank you as always Paul. 😊😊
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I know its cost a lot of money but, thanks to your vids, you can see where the money has been spent. Amazing attention to detail. All involved should be proud when you consider how little the public have been impacted (partly thanks to COVID). An old station revitalised for the future. I must go have a look myself. Thanks Paul!
Yes absolutely! Definitely worth checking it out for yourself, and you know what to look for now!
You’re one of my favourite UA-camrs. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks! Yes will do!
Just watched from Lincolnshire UK. Been to Sri Lanka (started school in Ceylon after WWII) but never to Aus. We got the Elizabeth line east-west through London recrntly. Less well known I can get to Paris or Brighton with one change of trains. Train is king. Be grateful you have great designers and engineers.
Hi John, always lovely to hear from people in the UK! Yes I know quite a lot about the Thameslink project, and the remodelling of London Bridge station to make it all work is amazing. I was still in London when they lengthened the platforms at Farringdon, so I remember that well. Hoping to get to the UK soon, and Elizabeth Line is definitely on my list, but Thameslink to London Bridge is up there too!
@@TransportVlog
Still learning how to do this being a real oldie with little head hair. Keep up our contacts between UK and Aus. It's important.
Excellent video! Congratulations on the 10k!
Thanks and thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
As usual, this is a very well researched video, Paul. Well done. Central station has become very intricate. I've hardly ever needed to use central station, but if I did, the signage would be welcome. I think I would get lost.
Thanks Peter, I appreciate your lovely feedback! When you do come to Central Station, I think you'll find that the signage is pretty good!
I like the rounded edges, the design does have a timeless feel about it
Yes it certainly does!
Nice milestone video 🎉
Thanks!
It's amazing to think that only 100 years ago United States was mostly cowboy land with horses. Yet it became the sole superpower far surpassing other civilizations and countries that had THOUSANDS of years head start.
Congrats on 10 K subscribers . Amazing achievement and well deserved
Thanks!
Finally you post on this, been waiting a couple weeks for you to catch up
Yes, it took a little longer than planned, but hope it was worth the wait!
Very informative. Amazing transformation of this 100 yo section of the station. I love the floor art. Great ideas that could be used for the upgrade of Flinders Street Station to be incorporated into the links to the new Town Hall Station.
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it. Yes it is an amazing transformation, and glad you like the floor art! Judging by some of the other comments, it's not to everyone's taste! Yes I do hope some of these ideas will be incorporated into the Flinders Street - Town Hall link.
I use the new concourse & central walk daily as I travel to work. The upgrade to central station is amazing. Very good video, Paul. Congrats on 10k subscribers.
Great to hear that you use the new concourse on your daily commute! Yes it certainly is. Thanks for your lovely feedback.
great job reaching 10k!
Thanks!
Thank you Paul. I must say that your rail network in Sydney and wider NSW do offer far more enjoyable videos. You are providing an ever increasing list of site seeing options we next in Sydney. Thank you and congratulations on 10,000 subscribers.
Thanks Jack, glad you're enjoying them. Sounds like you'll have a big list of things to see when you're next in Sydney! Thanks for the 10,000 subs congrats too!
To paul the video you us was really understanding showing us the new concourse at Central station please reply back thankyou Michael smith from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 .
Hi Michael, glad you enjoyed it! I was very pleased with how this video came out and it's certainly become popular. Hope you've had a chance to see it for real!
I hadn’t noticed the artefacts at the back. Thanks so much for pointing them out. Will definitely have to check them out next time I pass through. Also, congratulations on the 10k milestone, it’s very deserved given the quality of your videos!
You're very welcome! Yes the artefacts are definitely worth a look when you're next there! Thanks, looking forward to the next subscriber milestone!
Hi Paul. Since you so loved showing us the steps Sydney Metro took in the building of the Chatswood dive sight. Will we ever get to see a final video of the finished site.
The dive site itself was complete when I did my last update that was back in January. Here is a link to this video - ua-cam.com/video/K5ku64Ke43I/v-deo.html. There is a little bit of work going on within the adjacent construction site, but that's mainly demolishing the acoustic shed, so I don't there is enough to cover at the moment. I'll do another video when test trains are running regularly.
Woukd be great if you can get a spot on one of those test runs. I saw one with a few people on it. Would love to see the whole journey
Yes that would be cool! Here is a high-speed front of train ride from Chatswood DS to Sydenham - facebook.com/SydneyMetro/videos/1439390483485755. You might need a facebook login to see this, as its not on UA-cam.
Good video mate
Thanks 👍
WOW....I'm going to be so shocked next time I come to Sydney with all this progress...last time I was in my city of birth was in September 2017.....I'm not going to recognize the place...lol, love all your videos, Paul....thank you :)
Hi Lorraine, yes Sydney has changed a lot since 2017. Glad you enjoy seeing the progress of your city of birth and hope you can make a trip back here soon (well perhaps in 2024 after Sydney Metro City & Southwest opens).
Hi Paul, wow you've been to the new Concourse already, it’s quite beautiful to be honest.
I've been a few times now! - if I hang around there for a little while, someone usually recognises me and comes and says hello!
My son’s Rottweiler’s ears prick up when she hears, “Welcome to Transport Vlog, my name is Paul”. Classic.
That's funny! - I guess it makes a change from "walkies!"
I must admit the still video shots left me a little bewildered. A pan shot would have been more appealing. I get the impression that this upgrade was to follow such designs in Europe or North America. Soon in time as with all remodeling designs, we will grow to get used to them before a new wave is due to take its place. Thank you for sharing this, nonetheless.
Thanks for your feedback. I'll bear that in mind when filming in the future. Glad you enjoyed seeing this video.
Well done in the 10k subs mate
Thanks Graeme
Bravo Paul! This one is really a great expose of the brilliant work being done. You have presented this in a very interesting sequence of events and historic recaps of the what some areas were like in construction and now the finished product Thanks v v much for this epic production. God help the twit who would dare to add graffiti! My hope is that there will be ample seats up on the platforms which, Central has lacked adequate seating over the past few years, likewise the other city platforms,. Maybe now that the whole opus is nearing completion that matter will be addressed. Another point; that southern tunnel. Is that the Devonshire Street tunnel? With this presentation, I am now prompted to get myself down ASAP, to see the job in person.
Thanks Luke! Glad you enjoyed this video. There are quite a few seats on the new platforms 12 to 14, and seats are being added to the suburban platforms too. These will be towards the southern end. No they are different. The Devonshire Street tunnel is outside of the Opal gates, and goes under all platforms. It used by passengers and other pedestrians wanting to get from Railway Square to Chalmers Street. The Southern Tunnel is within the station and has been shortened. It provides stair access to platforms 4 to 11 only now, and as its inside the opal gates, it would only be used by passengers. Hope that makes sense, and yes, I recommending going and checking it out in person!
Thanks Paul for another slick and informative production. Do you know if there are any plans to replace the older style platform canopies at Central with something similar to those at platforms 12-14
Don't believe so. The canopies on the suburban platforms are heritage listed, and more likely platforms 1-11 get built over with a park and OSD.
Hi Graham, Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I'm not aware of any plans to replace the suburban platform canopies. As Mark says, as they are heritage listed, it is more likely that they would be upgraded rather than replaced.
It looks nice - I have to make a trip over there to see it for myself - Central didn't look this good when I worked there many many Years ago.
Yes definitely go and see it for yourself! Its hard to appreciate its size in a video.
@@TransportVlog I have to go over.
Oh my those changes. I was last at Central in early 2014, and i used to know Central like the back on my hand. Looking at this video I'm completely lost. It does look great though, so bright and modern. Hopefully I can find my way around when I come in, on the Bathurst Bullet, in October. What lines are platforms 13 and 14 for?
I'm sure you will! I think the south coast line trains to Wollongong and Kiama will use platforms 13 & 14, rather than going through to Bondi Junction, but I may be wrong on that. We will find out in due course!
Hi Paul, the escalator gate with the roll down shutter, and the U shaped structures at the escalator bases, one is shown at 17:03 are these temporary, they look out of place and don't blend in with any other decor in the station plus create a barrier to the escalator, surely these are not permanent
Yeah seems like they are. I was there on the weekend and its simply mdf screwed together so feels very temporary
@@MachineInput Yeah I thought it looked like a bit of MDF just screwed on, wondering why they haven't removed it at the base of the escalators, maybe they are waiting for a proper sign / posts ?
Yes, they may well be temporary. It's good that they've gone for gates rather than white hoardings. The ones at the bottom of the platform 12 escalators looks a little temporary too.
Love your content. Keep up the good work. Look forward to a review of the new parramatta light rail stops & substations enclosures (TPS’s) heading north towards Carlingford….if you haven’t already…
Thanks Peter, yes will do. I'm thinking August for another Parramatta Light Rail update, and I'm looking forward to using the new Active Transport link for the Carlingford line section.
Thanks for that mate when will we be able to ride the new metro trains
Sometime in 2024. There is no firm date as yet.
@@TransportVlog ok thanks mate
I have started catching the trains a bit more. On a Friday afternoon I would catch from Hurstville to Central, destined for Epping. From the Central country train terminal can either catch Central coast/Newcastle train express to Epping, or limited stops T9 to Epping that terminates at Central platforms and use the main pair tracks. From Epping then change to Metro line. Next year this will streamline to Hurstville to Sydenham and continue journey all the way.
Good to hear that you're getting out on the trains more now. Yes that journey to Epping will be easier for you from next year!
I know all the canopies on the central platforms are heritage listed but it would be marvellous to up grade them all
Yes that would be nice, and these days, you can make some good upgrades whilst retaining the heritage. Lets see what happens.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing another excellent video. That North South Concourse is absolutely gigantic. I wonder if they have ever considered running light rail trams along the long red pathway there?? I am wondering if that old clock is the one that used to be near the country platforms at Central. Incidentally, is there still a walking area at the north end of the central platforms at ground level? I remember that was the way we used to get on to the country and interstate platforms and also to catch the Dulwich Hill light rail trams to the north side of that. One thing that I notice that the escalators don't include (similar to here also, are red and green lights on the ends. This is something that they have in the Netherlands to prevent anyone accidentally getting on the escalators heading the wrong way. Anyway, take care. Rob in Melbourne Australia.
Hi Rob, Glad you enjoyed it. Yes it's pretty huge! Yes its the Central Station Clock Tower, which is quite close to the country platforms. Yes that walking area is still there and hasn't changed much, and the Dulwich Hill Light Rail still goes from outside. Interesting point about the escalators.
Hi Paul, on a side not the Northwest metro is running the new train sets, i guess running them in before the city and south open..
Yes, I thought the new sets might be running on the Northwest metro. I'd be interested to know if there are any obvious differences.
I wonder if only having 2 lifts down to the Metro platforms will prove to be too few in the medium-term, I think
I guess we'll find out over time! Adding further lifts in the future would be possible.
Would it possible for you to make a video about the current Heathcote road upgrade/widening project, Paul?
I've decided not to cover road projects for the time being, mainly because there are so many public transport projects happening and I'm struggling to cover them all as it is! Hopefully there is another UA-camr that could do a video on this.
Great video as usual Paul. I visited a couple of weeks back and on a sunny winter day the station looked spectacular. It felt like a place to linger if you weren't in a hurry rather than a place to scurry through quickly. Any update on the Chalmers St entrance since that fire please? Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it Tim. Yes the north-south concourse does have a very relaxed feel about it! I found it easy to spend a few hours there filming and chatting to people that recognised me. Repair work has started on the Chalmers Street entrance, but not much has changed. Phil at Sydney Trains Vlog did an update recently. Here is a link to it - ua-cam.com/video/g3lOMCqs6xA/v-deo.html
18:07 “The Sydney Metro platform escalators are very very long being 45 meters in length and that makes them the longest escalators in the southern hemisphere.”
Washington D.C.’s Wheaton Metro Station is even deeper at 70 meters. The first time down the “Down Escalator” feels like a trip into hell. Walking up the already moving “Up Escalator” two steps at a time means you can skip leg day at the gym.
Thanks for the station overview.
Hi Barry, yes there are many longer escalators in the northern hemisphere including those ones the Wheaton Metro. I like the idea of skipping a day at the gym, but I reckon I can do that without walking up any escalators. 😀
7.24 Those wall surfaces that you observed and commented on, may have another purpose: sound dispersal. Sheer hard surfaces on walls, ceilings and floors in a large space can be very echoey. Even in a large room they can be echoey.
Yes quite possibly! There is definitely very little echo (if any). It's actually surprisingly quiet!
What will be good if you do a video of before and after shots once projects are finished.
Yes I might well do that!
Congrats also from me on the 10k subscribers. Watching your videos is always a highlight! What is the current schedule for opening the Metro extension from Chatswood to Bankstown? Cheers from Europe, Rick
Thanks Rick, Glad you enjoy my videos, and lovely to know that you watch them from Europe! Its currently 2024 for Chatswood to Sydenham, and 2025 for Sydenham to Bankstown. The dates are not any more specific than that at the moment.
Paul, here is one thing I wondered about the new station. I get off the bus at Railway Sqr and go down escalator to walk underground to get to the tunnel to Central. Q with all the money spent on revamp why do you have to still walk all the way to Devonshire street end to get past barriers then potentially all the way back to get on North Shore line. There was a door which got direct access just inside railway sqr end of tunnel but was staff only. any idea why this annoyance wasnt resolved?
Hi John, I'm not sure, but yes an entrance on Railway Square is really needed. It may have been closed when Opal gates were installed, but I'm not sure.
We use platform 12 quite a bit. Just can’t fit an 8 car V-set on it.
That's a bit of a problem! It is quite tight for an 8 car Waratah.
Will they be giving a facelift to the rest of the concourses cover like the new one too?
Yes hopefully over time. I had noticed that some of the ceilings in the existing station are getting an upgrade. I think Central Station will continue to evolve with more parts of the existing station getting facelifts to match the new areas.
it wasnt mentioned, is the plan to connect the southern end of this tunnel into the devonshire st tunnel to railway square?
I'm not aware of any specific plans, but I know that there are longer term proposals to provide entrances on Railway Square and better access from the west side generally.
At 4:04, the circular thing is the Central clocktowers face.
Aaah yes, I can see the similarities now!
Hi Paul just asking is there an update on the new metro from bankstown to sydham.
Hi Steven, I've been checking it every few weeks and it hasn't change a great deal. On Monday, the Bankstown Line will reopen after a 2 week shutdown, so I'll take another look later this month.
is the old narrow underground concourse still there or was that demolished
Do you mean the Suburban Tunnel / Olympic Sprint Tunnel? That's gone. It was features in this video - ua-cam.com/video/g3lOMCqs6xA/v-deo.html
@@TransportVlog it had green and white tiles by memory and went under the City circle platforms.
😁I have purchased $5.00. Thank you.
Thank you so much Ian! I really appreciate that!
Great video, my only problem is all this new space and still only the couple of crappy places to eat, a decent food court would have been a nice addition unless they are putting one elsewhere
Thanks, yes food options are still very limited at Central Station. However, foot outlets would normally be on the unpaid side (so before the Opal gates), so probably not suited to the north-south concourse. The Eternity Cafe has reopened and they do good coffee and have a few food options.
@@TransportVlog There were shops on the other side of the gates including a newsagent for many years, so the gates should not be a barrier for food outlets etc, just like airports, but all good, keep up the great work
Good how they added more toilets which isn't the north of the concourse and give some mid and south concourse a place to go to when u gotta go without running to the north concourse....
Yes indeed, and they are very popular, often with people queuing!
.... I live 15 minutes from it and commute through everyday, why did I watch all of this.
I must have captivated you with my dulcet tones!
“Glass reinforced concrete”. ???? Thanks Laurie NZ.
Yep that's what its called! Good to hear that you're watching my videos from the other side of the pond!
i thought this was just an extension of central walk. is the central walk linking from Chalmers street, if that has even opened yet. Sorry, i haven' been in Sydney lately
central walk is open and ends at the north-south concourse, so they make a T shape
Central Walk is basically the part from the Eastern Suburbs concourse to the new North-South concourse. It is a little confusing, but if you review the maps in this video, that will probably help too.
Hi Paul, I think you can add subtitles when making a new video, what’s your opinion?
UA-cam already provides subtitles, although they are not always accurate. Creating subtitles that are 100% accurate is a time-consuming process, and I'd rather put that time in to creating further videos. When the channel is larger, I may be able to pay for someone else to do that for me.
@@TransportVlog Yeah, you're right.
Hi Paul, Another gread video. I dont know if I've missed it but is anything happening to the long awful underground passage to Railway Square that went under the whole station?
Thanks Charles, I think you're referring to the Devonshire Street tunnel. Yes that's still there, and hasn't changed much!
Did anyone notice what looks like doors on the other side of the lifts going down to the metro platforms? It is here 18:56 in the video. I’m wondering if anyone knows what it is.
So the doors at the platform level are on the south side, which means that the lift has doors on both sides, so I think that's what you're referring to.
@@TransportVlog no, there were black ‘panels’ along the wall between the top and bottom of the lift shaft.
I didnt know that central station had a major revamp
Well you do now!
when in 2024 do you think the new link will open?
I don't think anyone knows the answer to that question, as it will depend on how well the testing goes. The 5th anniversary of Sydney Metro North West opening is 26 May next year, so I reckon that's a date they might have in their sights!
Is all the stair access to platforms being removed?
One of the sets of stairs at the southern end of platforms 16 to 23 has been removed, and will be replaced with seating. I'm not aware of any other stairs going.
@@TransportVlog So the two sets of stairs at the north end of p17-23 leading to the Eddy Ave and Chalmers St exits are staying? Phew.
Because I liked it the first time. I have viewed this one again. Remarkable record of the great works going on in Central. I hope that there will be plenty of monitoring and pouncing on would-be graffiti rats.
Luke
Nice one! There is so much in this video, that I'm sure a few people have also watched it more than once! So far, graffiti has not been a problem! - There are hundreds of CCTV camera's, so that's probably a deterrent.
Hi Paul, would you know if the Information Display panels on the new Metro Platforms will be integrated into the Platform Screen doors (like on the new stations on the Elizabeth Line in London) or will they continue to use the same boxy displays currently used on all the Sydney Metro North West and Sydney Trains train stations?
They’ll be the same as the current SMNW stations.
As I got a glimpse of one on the Central Station metro platform, and I've seen them at Sydenham too, and they look like the same as the ones on Sydney Metro North West. Perhaps Sydney Metro West might get Elizabeth Line ones integrated on to the platform screen doors.
That’s a shame. Those boxy information display panels looks so 1990s, cathode ray tube television sets. Should be integrated into the platform screen doors like on the Elizabeth Line, looks much more modern and 21st century.
ua-cam.com/video/msPAGDy-Ok0/v-deo.html
does it also link to the Devonshire Street Tunnel, if that even still exsist
No. It would be just beyond the southern end of the north-south concourse but was deemed unviable to connect for a number or reasons.
Ultimately Central Walk is planned to be extended further West to create another new entrance on the Western side of central.
Devonshire Street Tunnel does need a Upgrade looks dated from the 1970s
No not, under this project, but there are exciting plans for Central Central and Central Walk in the future as Mark mentions above.
As usual a very interesting vlog just one question Sydney Metro in advertising materials they say there going to be 3 new retail outlets in the new area please tell me that they aren’t the vending machine you should in the video if that’s the case I’m going to be very disappointed
Good question, and I'm not sure of the answer. There are spaces under the platforms 12&13 and 14 escalators that could be large enough for retail, so that may be where they will go. I guess we'll have to wait and see.