Council reveals plan to relocate Bankstown train and future metro underground

Bold new plans have been unveiled, proposing to sink the Bankstown metro and train line underground.

Sinking the Bankstown line underground might be the answer to bringing an “impractical and unsafe” Sydenham to Bankstown Metro rail project up to scratch.

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Bold new plans have been unveiled, proposing to sink the Bankstown metro and train line underground.

The council last week released the concept plan in response to the Sydney Metro’s Sydenham to Bankstown metro plans, labelling them “shortsighted”.

Council administrator Richard Colley said an underground station would create space for a new town square and “bustling central social place.”

“Placing the lines underground ... will considerably reduce traffic congestion, make it safer for pedestrians, and finally free-up additional open space to establish an integrated and accessible CBD precinct,” Mr Colley said.

An artist’s impression of what Bankstown CBD could look like if the metro and train lines were relocated underground.

The plans have been supported by Sydney Business Chamber’s David Borger who said: “The train line currently cuts the town centre in half which restricts pedestrian movement and trade.”

“It’s time we approached Bankstown like we would approach the Sydney CBD.”

Sydney Metro’s current plan will convert the 11-station T3 line to accommodate driverless metro trains.

The existing platforms at Bankstown Station will be extended by 170m towards the city so the new metro trains, which will run a train every four minutes at peak, can stop at Bankstown.

Mr Colley slammed the early plans, calling them “impractical and unsafe”.

“I am concerned Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning and Environment have been shortsighted when it comes to the long-term vision for this project,” Mr Colley said.

“The plans are impractical and unsafe, due to the narrow access points and limited sightlines. There is no integration with the town centre, or attempt to make the station a visual feature of our city.”

A bird’s eye view of the proposed Bankstown underground rail project.

But a spokesman for Transport for NSW backed Sydney Metro’s plan.

“The safety of customers is a number one priority on all Sydney Metro stations, including Bankstown,” the spokesman said.

“Safety measures that will be built into the design include easy customer access through fully-accessible platforms and interchanges, and Australian-first platform screen doors which will keep people and objects away from the tracks.”

The council intends to lodge a submission when the NSW Government places the Metro plans on public exhibition in coming months. The council also wants to bring local MPs and businesses together for a summit on the issue.