‘Don’t take the Monorail Station!’: Photo making Sydneysiders sad

People have spotted a piece of history coming down and for some, it’s a sad sight.

Harbourside Monorail Station is coming down, and for some Sydneysiders, it’s a sad sight.

The site is one of seven stops on the now defunct Sydney Monorail network – the 20 minute, 3.6km circuit loop connected the city shopping and accommodation districts with the Darling Harbour precinct, Chinatown and the Spanish Quarter between 1988 and 2013.

While all sections of track and some of the stations have been dismantled, several stations at various points of the city remain, offering a glimpse into the city’s transport history.

Harbourside Monorail Station, a stop on Sydney’s now defunct Monorail network, is being demolished as part of Mirvac’s redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre. Picture: Twitter

The harbourside Station has been earmarked for some time now as Mirvac’s planned redevelopment of the 1980s Harbourside Shopping Centre on Darling Harbour moves ahead.

But photos of the beginning of the demolition have evoked an emotional response online.

“They’re demolishing the monorail station at Darling Harbour … You have no idea how upset I am,” one Sydneysider tweeted.

Responding to the news on Facebook, some reminisced on the excitement of the monorail while it lasted.

The monorail system operated from 1988 to 2013, connecting the city shopping and accommodation districts with Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and the Spanish Quarter.

“I went on this when I was a kid, was so much fun, would’ve rather have this back then (sic) the stupid tram they put back in,” one wrote.

“When I used to live in Sydney I used to catch it to Darling Harbour … it was just quick and easy to get there … it’s a shame it’s gone,” wrote another.

There was also the sadness of Reddit.

“Can’t help but feel a bit sad,” one said.

While most sections of track and some stations have already been dismantled, the remaining monorail stations serve as a glimpse into the city’s transportation history.

“ … don’t take away the monorail station … Imagine a cool little bar or coffee shop in there. Don’t know why Sydney wants to erase the monorail history when they could have a bit of fun and embrace it,” argued another.

Sydney’s relationship however was a tumultuous one over the years.

A group known as Sydney Citizens Against the Proposed Monorail, led by solicitor Michael Mobbs, was formed in 1985 in a bid to halt the proposed construction.

The demolition of the Harbourside Station has generated emotional responses online, with many expressing nostalgia and sadness for the loss of the monorail. Picture: Facebook

The group swiftly took action, appealing to the public through newspaper advertisements and organising protest meetings, fundraising concerts, and marches throughout the city streets, mobilising thousands.

The protesters expressed their objections to the elevated track through various means with slogans like “QVB yum – Monorail yuk,” “No Monorail,” “Stop the Monsterail,” and “Who needs a monorail? I’ve got feet!”

Sydney’s relationship with the monorail system was contentious, with protests and objections to its construction voiced by various groups, including prominent figures. Picture: Reddit

Renowned figures from the country’s cultural elite joined the high-profile demonstrations and notable personalities like Ita Buttrose, Peter Carey, Leo Schofield, Jim McClelland, Mike Carlton, Nick Greiner, and Patrick White voiced their opposition.

White described the proposed monorail as “one of the many autocratic farces perpetuated by the powerful on our citizens.”

The Sydney Monorail ended in 2013 after 25 years of service.

Architects, planners, and even some government officials also expressed their disapproval.

Sydney mayor Clover Moore, an independent MP at the time, called it “the most offensive structure to assault our city since the Cahill Expressway.”

Asked if Mirvac had any preservation plans for the station, a spokeswoman said, “We received approval for the demolition of the monorail station at Harbourside in 2021, and the monorail does not form part of the redevelopment of the site.”

Originally published as ‘Don’t take the Monorail Station!’: Photo making Sydneysiders sad