Project Description

Museum Station, an underground station on Sydney’s City Circle line, was built in the 1920s using cut-and-cover techniques, with a reinforced concrete arch spanning two platforms connected to ground level by a network of unreinforced concrete tunnels. As part of the State Government’s Easy Access Upgrade, lifts were needed to provide access from ground level to the platforms. Due to the station’s heritage status and its location beneath Hyde Park and adjacent to the ANZAC Memorial, careful consideration was given to minimising the construction impact on the public and the area’s heritage.

Added Value

Robert Bird Group conducted a review of the reference design, identifying significant risks to the existing station. Subsequently engaged to redesign the concept for the platform lifts, we delivered a scheme that improved access and circulation while reducing risks to the existing structures. Key contributions included:

• Conducted a Construction Methodology and Risk Review for the original concept, identifying significant structural risks to the existing station arch.
• Led an optioneering process to identify lift shaft locations and construction methods with a significantly lower risk profile.
• Developed a pre-concept design, enabling Transport for NSW to proceed with greater confidence in the scheme.
• Worked effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team with many stakeholders to successfully deliver a revised pre-concept design for this area.
• Provided a structural solution with integrated construction methodology and 3D visualisations to communicate the construction impacts to stakeholders.

Robert Bird Group was later engaged by Arenco-Daracon JV to deliver the concept through detailed design and construction phases, including temporary works design and staged analysis of the works as they impacted the station structures.