‘Threat’ to historic station

The proposal by Transport NSW would see a lift from the overhead bridge down to the station covered with a canopy and with anti-throw panels installed.

Views from the walkway of the 1902 building will be partially obscured, according to the review of environmental factors which said “it would detract from the setting of the station and views to the station building”.

Fifty-six trees and shrubs beside the station next to Railway Parade will be removed to create a new accessible pathway. They include 12 flowering cherries, seven crab apples and six camellias.

The review said: “The removal of the garden bed west of the station building would improve the visibility of the station building but would reduce the garden aesthetic of the station.” 

Michael Ripoll of Leura said the upgrade was “totally devoid of any sensitivity to the character of Leura” (see letters p.28).

Local architect Ian McMillan said the plans seemed “poorly conceived” and were “outrageously expensive”.

Fellow local, Lorraine Droga, said while the lift was “essential and fabulous” she thought the overall design would make the quaint Federation-era station built into a rock wall cutting look like any suburban Sydney station.

“It seems to be one size fits all across the network,” she said.

She also queried the need for the anti-throw screens when she knew of no instances of anything being thrown from the overbridge.

The Transport for NSW review conceded that the lift, stairs and canopies “would impede heritage significant views of the sandstone cutting and railway line from both the overbridge and from the station setting”.

But it said that there are existing visual obstructions from the stairway and overbridge which “have already reduced these heritage views, and therefore the proposal would not significantly increase the degree of these pre-existing visual impacts”.

Other works planned are an upgrade of the station toilets, a new kiss and ride facility in front of the Spires, new accessible path and ramp as well as new stairs between the station and new taxi parking area and new bicycle parking facilities.

The review concluded the proposal will bring “an overall balanced and harmonious visual outcome. The application of contemporary design, modern materials and sympathetic colours to the existing station precinct would create a legible and high quality visual asset within the surrounding urban landscape.”