Plan to revive Sydney’s secret tunnels
Abandoned tunnels and train platforms at St James Station will be redeveloped and open to the public as an underground attraction.
The NSW Government is seeking expressions of interest from within Australia and around the world to activate the hidden space at St James Station into a world-class attraction. The proposed opportunities include entertainment, retail or dining options.
The tunnels were built in the 1920s as part of Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer John Bradfield’s transport vision for Sydney. They were intended to link the Eastern Suburbs with the Northern Beaches but the plans were never completed. Instead, they were used as air raid shelters in World War Two.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said this is an exciting opportunity for interested parties to stamp their mark on a location that is part of Sydney’s heritage.
“We want the best proposal. We want ideas that could transform the platform and tunnels into a world-renowned attraction,” Mr Constance said.
“Spaces like the St James tunnel are rare. Around the world, hidden spaces are being converted into unique experiences and we want St James Station to be part of that. That’s why we’re casting the net right across the world. We want the world’s best to come up with the best ideas.”
Expressions of interest open on 27 September and close 6 November 2018.