Sydney’s Goods Line, a $10 million pedestrian and cycle network that will connect Ultimo to Darling Harbour, will miss the opening of Frank Gehry’s University of Technology Sydney building this coming Monday because of project delays.

A former industrial railway track that divided Ultimo and Haymarket, the Goods Line is designed by Aspect Studios with Choi Ropiha Fighere and was initially scheduled for completion in November 2014, in time for the official ‘paper bag’ building opening.

However the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority has released an update saying minor delays beyond its control have slowed progress on site. Instead construction is to be completed “in the near future, with public access anticipated from March 2015.”

It also added that contractor Gartner Rose is “working tirelessly to complete the project as soon as possible”.

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, the delays are associated with working around Sydney Trains’ high voltage network, wet weather, design improvements and the delivery of pre-cast concrete panels.

The 500 metre corridor, which has been compared with New York’s famous High Line, broke ground in March 2014 and will feature a series of elevated spaces or platforms that can be used for public entertainment, recreation, study and other activities.

UTS deputy vice-chancellor Patrick Woods said a 40 by 20 metre section directly outside Gehry’s building will be ready by Monday.

The project was expected to open alongside the UTS business school this week. Photo: James Brickwood. Source: SMH

The second phase of the four-tiered project focuses on the Goods Line South, which will give the existing pedestrian route from Central Station through to Darling Harbour a facelift. Construction for this stage will start early this year.

Geraldine Chua

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