Sydney metro southwest: why plans for Bankstown station have changed

Major changes to a station precinct along the Sydney Metro southwest line are set to result in the demolition of a heritage listed building. SEE THE PLANS HERE.

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A heritage listed parcel office that was built more than 100 years ago will face the wrecking ball under revised plans for the Sydney Metro southwest project.

Transport for NSW submitted a modified development application for the metro station at Bankstown, which will act as an interchange between the driverless metro and the Sydney Trains network.

A general view of Bankstown Train Station. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Planners for the project said the heritage listed property would be removed for a corridor crossing through the centre of the interchange, linking the station and metro sites through an existing station plaza.

The heritage building at Bankstown being removed for the Sydney Metro southwest.

“The aim of this connection is to achieve a street level shared zone, with the option to carry vehicles in the future, such as buses,” the planner said in the report.

“This design would also provide direct emergency service vehicle access to the new Sydney

Metro and Sydney Trains station entrances as well as adjacent retail areas.

“To achieve this improved local precinct outcome, the design change requires the removal of the heritage listed Bankstown Parcels Office and the demolition of the eastern end of the existing Sydney Trains platform.”

The existing Sydney Trains platform to the west would also be extended under the revised plan.

A big public plaza (in blue) will be incorporated into plans for Bankstown Metro station.

“The proposed modification would provide an improved local precinct, benefiting access for the local population and public transport users,” the planner argued.

He said the modifications would result in improved access through the Bankstown CBD and “enhance way finding” between the train, bus and metro services.

Modified plans are currently on exhibition through NSW Planning’s Major Projects.