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Project Description

The project is part of the NSW Government’s the Transport Access Program, which aims to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure.

Under the TAP program, five train stations were upgraded to provide accessible access to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with baggage. Birrong, Wollstonecraft, Roseville, Banksia and Canley Vale Stations were included under an IS Council rating for Design and As Built v1.2.

The project achieved a Leading Design rating with a score of 91.63 and showcases best-practice design.

Key Achievements

These TAP Station upgrade projects leave a legacy of sustainable, community-centred, infrastructure, advancing the NSW government’s commitment to a low-carbon future by setting a new benchmark for future accessibility projects in TAP and other transport infrastructure projects.

Key project achievements include:

• Rich interpretation of the heritage and diverse cultures of the places we work including extensive celebration of Aboriginal heritage and Country through positive stakeholder collaboration.
• Predicted 30 per cent reduction of emissions associated with materials; a saving of 3,578 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO^­­₂-e).
• Potential 34 per cent reduction in water consumption.
• Predicted 34 per cent reduction of GHG emissions from energy use; a saving of 3,644 t CO^­­₂ -e.
• Use of Building Information Management (BIM) 3D modelling to influence sustainable design decision making, tailored online and live procurement system to promote sustainable procurement initiatives and significant bush regeneration efforts in park land within and adjacent to our sites.

Project Highlights

Highlight 1 – Saving resources

Each of the projects underwent various multidisciplinary workshops to optimise the resource-use profile (e.g. materials, water and energy) that would be needed to achieve compliance with the planning approval requirements without sacrificing the high standards of accessibility and service for the stations. Some of the key initiatives that were implemented are summarised below.

Energy and Carbon

Key initiatives for potential reductions in energy and carbon include:

• Value engineering to reduce the number of lifts required with focus to achieve compliance with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport and significantly reduce the predicted operational electricity demand
• Construction electricity offset with GreenPower
• Installation of motion sensors on lighting and exclusive use of LEDs
• Procurement of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning with the highest energy efficiency ratio available on the market
• Installation of Domestic Hot Water energy consumption reduction via water demand reduction and use of Instantaneous Hot Water units where possible
• Supply of Energy Efficient lifts with low stand-by power

Potential achievement: 34 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use; the equivalent of 3,644 tonnes of CO­2-e. Of this predicted percentage for lifecycle reduction of GHG emissions, 53 per cent of GHG emissions reductions forecast during construction phase, and 33per cent of GHG emissions reductions forecast during operations phase.

Water

Key initiatives for potential reductions in water consumption include:

• Passive pavement irrigation for planting/vegetation
• Gravity fed “rip rap” drainage systems to support filtration and irrigation of surface waters to minimise mains fed water Irrigation
• Landscape design focused on the use of drought resistant, low-maintenance native plantings as well as use of “water wells” for tree planting that increase the efficiency of water delivery.
• Installation of high WELS rating appliances including:
  • 6 Star-rated toilets
  • 4+ Star-rated taps

Potential achievement: 34% reduction in water consumption across the project lifecycles and equivalent of 37 ML saved

Materials

Key initiatives for potential reductions in embodied carbon within materials included:

• Implementation of BIM 3D modelling to identify significant sustainable design solutions to reduce material quantities. This included redesign of 50m span bridge at Birrong station to a single lift landing, providing equal amenity and accessibility whilst reducing bulk material quantities by 30%. At both Banksia and Roseville stations full bridge redesign was achieved through the retention and upgrade of existing assets. The design achievements with a “minimalistic” approach allowed for maintained amenity and accessibility of the stations and estimated saving of a combined 815 tonnes CO₂-e alone in avoided materials use.
• Project mandate of minimum of 40per cent cement replacement with SCM within all concrete.
• Use of recycled aggregates, subgrades and ballast in replacement of virgin materials
• 20 per cent Reclaimed Asphalt Product (RAP) within station asphalt scope
• Minimisation of steel reinforcement within all low weightbearing footpaths
• Implementation of numerous underline crossings (ULX) to minimise caballing routing and reduce cable quantities and lengths. and the replacement of galvanised steel troughing (GST) with recycled plastic “Tuftduct” troughing.

Potential achievement:  across all 5 stations a total 30 per cent reduction of embodied carbon in materials equating to a saving 3,578.7 tonnes CO₂-e.

Birrong Station Upgrade

Banksia Station Upgrade

Canley Vale Station Upgrade

Highlight 2 – Heritage focus and rich interpretation of place

Aboriginal mural at Banksia

An opportunity was identified to go above and beyond project and contractual scope. Downer produced a large scale Aboriginal mural at Banksia Station. The Project team worked closely with TfNSW, Bayside Council and the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative to organise a permanent installation. The painted mural allowed the legacy of the station to continue to be lived and enjoyed where there was previously no Acknowledgement of Country. Artist Danielle Mate designed and painted the 10m x 6m mural known as ‘Layers’ in early 2022 to speak to the Gweagal, Gadigal and Bidjigal clans who influence within the local area. The mural has received astounding positive feedback from the community and local press. The legacy will continue to influence for many years.

Aboriginal mural installed at Banksia Station

Banksia’ storms and station masters

An interpretive sign installed in the Banksia underpass pays homage to the station’s long history of storms and station masters. Since the construction of the original underpass in the 1920s, it has been prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms.

Though Banksia Station’s history includes many flooding incidents, the actions of station staff over the decades have ensured the safety and dry feet of the community.

Now that the Upgrade Project is complete and intelligent flood mitigation implemented, flooding is no longer a problem for Banksia Station with zero closures or community delays even with the extreme floods and weather events that have been battering Sydney for months.

Interpretative sign installed at Banksia Station

Roseville heritage interpretation initiatives  

Several historical themes emerged for Roseville Station, including:

Landscaping and signage for the Garden Station – The Roseville Station gardens have been a source of community pride for over one hundred years. Landscaping and signs have been installed.

Roseville Interpretation landscaping and signs

Plaque installation for the Police Call Box – close to Roseville Station a small structure which today is used as bike shed was previously a Police Call Box. In a collaboration between Ku-Ring-Gai Council, TfNSW and Downer, the story of the shed was highlighted with a plaque.

Roseville Police Call Box

Installation of acknowledgement of Gammeragal Country

Acknowledgement of Gammeragal Country

IS Council Awards Finalist in ‘excellence in social outcomes’

In recognition of the social impact of the extensive heritage consideration and interpretation across the sites, the Project was confirmed as one of four finalists within the Infrastructure Sustainability Council Award for “Excellence in Social Outcomes” at the ISC ReConnect Conference in March 2022.

Highlight 3 – Bush regeneration within Smoothey Park

As part of the Wollstonecraft Station Upgrade Project, the project successfully reduced the number of trees removed during design development and creative engineering. Unfortunately, a few trees at the station still needed to be removed to allow the installation of the lifts and associated walkways.

The Project was required to replant 25 trees (or equivalent). An opportunity was identified to go above and beyond the project requirements and to work closely with North Sydney Council, as well as a locally owned and run bushland restoration company Toolijooa, to regenerate the natural bushland directly adjacent to the train station, Smoothey Park. Ultimately, about 400 plants have been installed as part of the works, including vital riparian restoration, weeding and planting of native locally endemic species.

Section of revegetation and landscaping within Smoothey Park

Project Description

The Lapstone and Faulconbridge station upgrades (the Project) were completed as part of the Transport Access Program (TAP), a NSW Government initiative to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering modern, safe and accessible infrastructure.  The upgrades has made these station precincts accessible to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage.

Key features of the upgrades include:

Faulconbridge

• Two new lifts to access the station platform and bus stop
• New unisex ambulant toilet and a family accessible toilet
• Upgrades to the pedestrian ramp connecting the commuter car park to the footbridge
• Upgrades to the existing, accessible car spaces
• Upgrades to the kiss and ride bay in the existing commuter car park
• Upgrades to station pathways, stairs and platform
• Additional CCTV, lighting and signage

Lapstone

• A new lift connecting the footbridge to Platform 2
• One new family accessible toilet, one new male ambulant toilet and one new female ambulant toilet
• Upgrades to the accessible car spaces
• Upgrades to the ramp from the commuter car park to the pedestrian footbridge
• A new station entrance to Platform 1
• Accessibility upgrades to the platform waiting room
• Upgrades to station pathways, stairs and platforms
• Upgrades to CCTV, lighting and signage

Key Achievements

The Project leaves a legacy of sustainable infrastructure, advancing the NSW Government’s commitment to a low-carbon future and achieving environmental, economic and social sustainability outcomes. The project was awarded a ‘Leading’ Design IS rating by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC).

Key sustainability initiatives and project achievements include:

• 5% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across the project lifecycle, compared to a business-as-usual approach
• Waste Diversion from Landfill – 100% of clean spoil, 99% of inert spoil and 73% of office waste diverted from landfill
• Materials reduction achieved through use of resource efficient materials, fixtures and fittings
• Reduction in noise, vibration and air quality impacts from expanding grout excavation system at Faulconbridge
• Knowledge sharing through sustainability alerts and TfNSW Contractors forum
• Use of materials and services on the iSupply directory for Innovation Challenge
• Rock Scour Garden adjacent to the Lapstone lift
• No trees were removed during the station upgrade and 34 new trees were planted
• Positive contributions to the health and well-being of the local community through enhancement and enlargement of the existing Lapstone station Community Garden, including incorporation of the existing concrete community art pavers into the new concrete path and Aboriginal bush tucker plants included in the landscaping design
• Enhanced landscaping and urban design to station entries and carparks including a ‘Friendship bench’, informal seating and rest areas
• Commuter walking tracks to Leonay provide an opportunity to link to station heritage interpretation. As part of this, the access track is being improved to increase mountain bike access providing additional connection for community to the station and thereby linking to station interpretation. Increased use of mountain bikes will be facilitated by improved bike access from the station to existing bike routes. The improved access track will provide an elongated shallow steps facilitating access for bikes.
• Preservation and enhancement of heritage values at Faulconbridge – including removal of the privacy wall in front of the FAT and preservation of heritage waiting room elements

Highlights:

Highlight 1: Using Resources: Achieving reductions in resource use

The Project demonstrated resource footprint reductions which will be realised across the asset life cycle, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to resource efficiency and climate resilience. A summary of key reduction initiatives implemented follows.

Energy and GHG Emissions Reductions

The project will achieve a 25.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across the project lifecycle, comparing the proposed design to the base case.

During the construction phase of the project, the GHG reduction was achieved by the:

• Use of efficient lighting and appliances in site amenities
• Use of 100% Green Power for Faulconbridge site amenities
• Adjustments to the construction program to maximise efficiencies in plant equipment and fuel usage
• Use of E10 ethanol fuel for 50% of construction vehicles.

GHG Reduction During Operation

During the expected operational life for the project, the GHG reduction is achieved due to:

• LED lighting only is proposed, and additional savings through low light power density
• Use of energy efficient fans
• Lighting and fan controls to minimise consumption

Materials Reduction

The main opportunities include:

• 30-50% Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) replacement in our concrete (including the use of Envirocrete)
• Reinforcement with 100% recycled steel content
• Quantities of concrete and steel reinforcement reduced at Lapstone via a zig-zag ramp and slab design refinement
• Reduction in asphalt use with platform resurfacing has been combined into single possession to complete all areas with no need for temporary ramp works
• Glass reduction in lift shafts and replacement with Danpalon polycarbonate Roofing for the Family Accessible Toilet (FAT) canopy at Faulconbridge station (Danpalon is a recycled polycarbonate product).

Highlight 2: Improving Ecological Value and Habitat Connectivity

The enhancement of ecological value and habitat connectivity was achieved by:

• Avoiding tree removal during station upgrades and the planting of 34 new trees to improve ecological value and habitat connectivity
• Avoidance of negative impacts on native vegetation in the project footprint, through reducing project boundaries and limiting tree trimming
• Landscape design maximising the use of planted native vegetation and minimising hard surfaces in design, where possible

Highlight 3: Social/Community Impacts

The project made positive contributions to the health and well-being of the local community through:

• Enhancement and enlargement of the existing Lapstone Community Garden through:
  • dilapidated areas adjacent to the community garden were upgraded with new landscaping
  • existing concrete community art pavers were incorporated into the new concrete path
  • redesigning of the access path around the community garden in order to retain and preserve community value
  • Aboriginal bush tucker plants being included in the landscaping design
  • ecological and habitat connectivity enhancement for the area surrounding the community garden
  • Collaboration with local resident and station representative

The project was able to use cost-effective measures and go beyond the project scope to ensure community concerns were addressed through the public display process, and through alignment to the local Community Strategic Plan to do more for the community. In addition, the project team effort to give back to the community by working with different design sub-disciplines during workshops and working with the construction team to identify ways to collaborate with the community, allowed a greater response to community issues. This provides the community with visibility that their needs are being addressed by council and government representatives thereby making them feel valued.

 

Urban Design

 The following urban design initiatives were achieved on the project:

• At Faulconbridge, a ‘Friendship bench’ has been incorporated and located under platform stairs and informal seating rest area located in front of the Kiss and Ride area
• Open and enhanced landscaped areas providing visual amenity for the community
• At Lapstone, the walking bush track to Leonay improves walkability as well as direct access to Lapstone station from the bush walk path
• Community garden and landscaping enhancement including Aboriginal Heritage recognition through use of Bush Tucker plants
• new access ramps providing a connection between the carparks and the station
• At Lapstone, the 1960’s architectural style of the station that is unique on the Blue Mountains Line, was being enhanced; and
• landscaping has incorporated Low Maintenance Native Plants Species selected

Lapstone Station entrance

Faulconbridge Station

Heritage

The following heritage values have been captured in the design:

• Aboriginal inclusion was captured by introducing bush tucker plants as part of Landscaping Design
• Garden beds that were a feature of Blue Mountains Stations of the mid- 20th Century are to be reinstated after works completion
• The existing boards historic Sydney timetables in conjunction with historic roller boards are being retained in the stations’ Waiting Room.
• Commuter walking tracks to Leonay provide an opportunity to link to station interpretation. As part of this, the access track is being improved to increase mountain bike access providing additional connection for community to the station and thereby linking to station interpretation.
• Bike track access – Increased use of mountain bikes are being facilitated by improved bike access from the station to existing bike routes. The improved access track will provide an elongated shallow steps facilitating access for bikes.

Innovation Credits

The project also achieved a number of innovation credits for exceeding credit benchmarks for small project pathway criteria and Innovation Challenge 8 iSupply products and services.

Acknowledgments:

The achievement of the Leading Design IS Rating for the Lapstone and Faulconbridge Station Upgrades has been the result of a collaboration involving:

• Transport for NSW as Project proponent
• Arenco, the Project principle contractor who co-ordinated and embedded sustainability into construction; and
• ISC project management staff