Hassell are the urban designers selected for Sydney's new light rail system which is estimated to cost $1.6 billion and will begin construction in 2014.
The 12 kilometre light rail project will link Circular Quay and Central via George Street, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.
Around 40 per cent of George Street will be pedestrianised, between Bathurst Street and Hunter Street, for light rail – meaning 60 per cent of George Street will still be accessible to private vehicles.
Hassell statement about the project:
"The design challenge is to create a transport system befitting Australia's global city, integrating the physical infrastructure into existing urban areas of distinctive character and significant heritage value to establish a sensitive and high-quality public domain."
Construction is expected to take up to five or six years.
